In the case of burns, what is a potential indicator of inadequate fluid volume that the nurse should monitor?

In the context of burns, decreased skin turgor is recognized as a potential indicator of inadequate fluid volume. Skin turgor reflects the skin's elasticity and hydration status; when fluid volume is compromised, such as in cases of burns where significant fluid loss can occur, skin turgor decreases. The skin may appear less elastic, with a tendency to remain tented when pinched instead of returning promptly to its normal position.

Monitoring skin turgor is especially critical following a burn injury because patients may rapidly lose fluids through damaged skin barriers, leading to dehydration. A thorough assessment of skin turgor provides valuable information regarding a patient's hydration status and can help guide the nurse in evaluating the need for fluid resuscitation and further intervention. Although the other indicators mentioned, such as blood pressure fluctuations and elevated heart rate, can also reflect fluid volume status, decreased skin turgor is a direct measure of tissue hydration and more specifically associated with fluid deficits in burn patients.