What is a common complication associated with burns that exceed 15% body surface area?

When evaluating complications associated with burns that exceed 15% of body surface area, adynamic ileus is recognized as a significant concern. A burn injury of this magnitude can lead to substantial inflammatory responses and stress on the body, which may disrupt normal gastrointestinal function. Adynamic ileus is characterized by a lack of peristalsis in the intestines, leading to decreased bowel activity and potential complications such as bowel obstruction or abdominal distension.

In the context of severe burns, the body's focus on healing can lead to reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, while pain, the release of stress hormones, and medications can further exacerbate the slowdown of intestinal motility. Therefore, understanding adynamic ileus as a common complication in patients with extensive burns is crucial for effective assessment and management in a tactical paramedic setting.

While options like increased urinary output, respiratory distress, and acute kidney injury can also occur in the context of significant burns, they reflect other physiological responses to injury rather than the specific gastrointestinal complication associated with the level of burn described.