A 62-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated in the Burn Unit Due

A 62-year-old man is evaluated in the burn unit due to progressive confusion, lethargy, and reduced urine output.  Five days ago, the patient was hospitalized for a 20% body surface area burn and mild inhalation injury after his house caught fire.  He is receiving analgesics, enteral feedings, and intravenous fluids.  Temperature is 35.5 C (96 F) , blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 26/min.  Physical examination shows third-degree burns on sections of the bilateral legs and a second-degree burn on the torso.  Some areas of partial-thickness injury appear to have progressed to full-thickness necrosis.  Laboratory results are as follows: Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current condition?

A) Carbon monoxide poisoning
B) Gram-negative sepsis
C) Hypermetabolic state
D) Myocardial injury
E) Renal tubular injury

Correct Answer:

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