What information should the nurse prioritize reporting to the health care provider 8 hours after a patient suffers a thermal burn covering 50% of total body surface area?

The priority information to report in this scenario is the urine output of 20 mL per hour for the past 2 hours for a patient who has suffered a significant thermal burn covering 50% of total body surface area. This low urine output is indicative of potential acute kidney injury or inadequate renal perfusion, which can develop due to hypovolemia caused by fluid loss from the burn injury.

In burns of this magnitude, patients experience extensive fluid loss through damaged skin, leading to hypovolemic shock if not managed appropriately with fluid resuscitation. Monitoring urine output is essential as it reflects kidney function and systemic perfusion. A urine output of less than 30 mL per hour typically raises concern for renal complications. Thus, the nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider about this concerning finding, as it requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications.

In contrast, while changes in blood pressure, serum exudate, and increased heart rate are important and may indicate changes in the patient's condition, the urine output is a more direct measure of renal function and fluid status in the context of a significant burn injury. Addressing potential renal failure through fluid resuscitation and monitoring can directly impact the patient's outcomes.