Which body temperature pattern is typical of the ebb response after burn injury?

Which body temperature pattern is typical of the ebb response after burn injury?

• A. Normal body temperature
• B. Decreased body temperature
• C. Increased body temperature
• D. Fluctuating body temperature

Answer: (B)

In the ebb response after a major burn, the body enters a conservational state where metabolism and tissue perfusion slow down. Heat production drops and peripheral blood flow is reduced, so the core temperature falls. This cooler, hypometabolic phase is a normal early reaction as the body prioritizes circulation to vital organs and fluid balance over immediate heat generation. Later, in the flow phase, metabolism increases and fever or higher temperatures can occur as the body shifts to a hypermetabolic state. Thus a decreased body temperature is the typical pattern in the initial ebb period.

In the ebb response after a major burn, the body enters a conservational state where metabolism and tissue perfusion slow down. Heat production drops and peripheral blood flow is reduced, so the core temperature falls. This cooler, hypometabolic phase is a normal early reaction as the body prioritizes circulation to vital organs and fluid balance over immediate heat generation. Later, in the flow phase, metabolism increases and fever or higher temperatures can occur as the body shifts to a hypermetabolic state. Thus a decreased body temperature is the typical pattern in the initial ebb period.