National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What lab finding is most likely associated with the use of silver sulfadiazine in burn patients?

1. Leukopenia

2. Peripheral edema

3. Hypokalemia

4. Altered pH balance

The correct answer is: Leukopenia

The use of silver sulfadiazine, a topical antimicrobial agent often used in the treatment of burn injuries, has been associated with leukopenia as a significant lab finding. This medication can cause a reduction in white blood cell count, leading to leukopenia, particularly in patients with extensive burns or those who might be susceptible due to systemic absorption or the presence of other complicating factors. Leukopenia can increase the risk of infections, which is a critical concern for burn patients who are already vulnerable due to compromised skin integrity and potential for systemic infection. Monitoring blood counts, especially in burn patients receiving silver sulfadiazine, is important to detect any drop in leukocytes early and to manage it appropriately. The other choices, while they may represent conditions that could occur in burn patients for various reasons, are not specifically linked to silver sulfadiazine use. For example, peripheral edema can arise from fluid shift and inflammatory responses post-burn injury itself rather than direct effects of the medication. Hypokalemia typically results from other causes such as diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses rather than from silver sulfadiazine. Lastly, altered pH balance might occur due to a variety of metabolic or respiratory issues within this patient population, but