Which laboratory result requires priority action by the nurse for a patient who had a large burn 48 hours ago?

A serum potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L is indicative of hyperkalemia, which can occur as a complication in patients with large burns. After a significant burn injury, cellular damage and hemolysis can lead to the release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream, elevating serum potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can have serious consequences including cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and potential cardiac arrest.

In this scenario, a potassium level above the normal range (typically 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) requires immediate nurse intervention due to the high risk of life-threatening complications. Monitoring heart rhythm, administering medications to lower potassium levels (such as calcium gluconate or insulin and glucose), and evaluating renal function are critical steps in managing this situation effectively.

The other laboratory values, while important, do not present the same level of acute risk. An elevated hematocrit may indicate hemoconcentration due to fluid loss from burn injuries, a serum sodium level of 147 mEq/L suggests hypernatremia, which may signal dehydration, and an elevated blood urea nitrogen level can indicate dehydration or renal impairment, but these conditions are generally less urgent than the critical implications of severe hyperkalemia