The first 48 hours after a burn injury has occurred are the most critical. The challenge for healthcare professionals is to get patients through the first stages of recovery by preventing fluid loss, and preventing and or controlling infection. Infections are a serious threat to burn patients. In the first 48 hours patients will lose fluids from the vessels, sodium chloride and protein which flow into the injured area causing blisters, swelling, low urine output and low blood pressure. Doctors combat these effects by providing patients with fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics, pain medication, tetanus vaccination and often inserting a catheter. Once the patient has been stabilized doctors and nurses begin cleaning the wounds to prepare them to be covered. Burn patients will continue to lose fluids until their wounds have been covered. Wounds may be covered using ointment and a dressing. However, for more severe wounds a skin graft may be needed. Skin grafts present complications
