Studying for NCLEX & have questions

[holinurse]

Hey!

I am in the middle of studying peds for the NCLEX and I had a few questions, that if answered, would help me clarify what I have been reading. Please feel free to answer either one or all. Your help and knowledge are greatly appreciated!

1. Why do Hgb & Hct go up & Sodium go down when there are third spacing fluid shifts in a burn patient? Wouldn't the levels go down as they do when there is blood (fluid?) loss??
   
   2. HOw do pressure dressings prevent contractures and scarring in a burn victim?
   
   3. At what point in the burn treatment progress is it okay to give a burn patient hydrotherapy? Accroding to what I read it is recommended, though it doesn't specify at what point it is okay and beneficial.
   
   4. Is daily cleaning of the burn area done frequently (1-2 times daily) even in the acute stage of a burn?
   
   Thanks,
   
   Gershon
   

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Not sure if I'm correct, but, I believe the H&H go up and sodium go down because it's hypovolemic shock and it's all relative.

edit: My notes when I took burns:

Metabolic acidosis due to loss of bicarbonate. Hemoconcentration due to vascular dehydration. Increased H&H because volume is lower. Hyponatremia + Hyperkalemia.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

moved to NCLEX for best response