A Client Is Evaluated After Suffering Severe Burns to the Torso

Multiple Choice

A client is evaluated after suffering severe burns to the torso and upper extremities. The nurse notes edema at the burned areas. Which of the following best describes the underlying cause of this manifestation?

A) Decreased osmotic pressure in the burned tissue
B) Reduced microvascular permeability at the site of the burned area
C) Increased potassium in the intracellular compartment
D) Inability of the damaged capillaries to maintain fluids in the cell walls