III.  POST RESUSCIATION PERIOD (2 - 6 days)

This period is often the calm before the storm of the hypermetabolic catabolic state.  However, during this period a number of major pulmonary problems can occur, especially the progression of a severe inhalation injury to respiratory dysfunction.  The most common disorders are described below.

Recognition of these potential problems will allow preventive measures to be initiated before severe dysfunction results.  A major impediment to an aggressive surgical approach to the burn wound during this period is pulmonary dysfunction.

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