Phases of Burn

• FIRST Phase of Burns: Emergent Phase


  • Aka Shock, Rescuscitative, Fluid Accumulation Phase
  • Duration: First 48 hours post-burns
  • Fluid Shift: Intravascular to interstitial
  • Fluid Status: Hypovolemia
  • Hct: Increased
  • Hemo: Hemoconcentration
  • Urine Output: Oliguria
  • Potassium: Hyperkalemia
  • Sodium: Hyponatremia
  • Acid-base Imbalance: Metabolic Acidosis
• SECOND Phase of Burns: Acute Phase


  • Aka Dieuretic, Intermediate, Fluid Remobilization Phase
  • Occurs: After 48 hours post-burns
  • Fluid Shift: Interstitial to Intravascular 
  • Fluid Status: Hypervolemia
  • Hct: Decreased
  • Hemo: Hemodilution
  • Urine Output: Diuresis
  • Potassium: Hypokalemia
  • Sodium: Hyponatremia
  • Acid-base Imbalance: Metabolic Acidosis
• LAST Phase of Burns: Rehabilitation Phase

  • Aka Recovery Phase
  • Occurs: 5th day onwards
  • Calcium: Hypocalcemia - due to granulation tissue formation
  • Negative Nitrogen Balance - inadequate protein, increased protein catabolism
  • Potassium: Hypokalemia