Three days ago the client received circumferential, partial, and full-thickness burns to 30% total body surface area of the chest and abdomen. The nurse monitors the client for restricted breathing due to Which physiological response?

A layer of eschar or devitalized tissue commonly forms over partial- and full-thickness burns, which, when circumferential and when combined with increased fluid retention, can restrict circulation and lung expansion. Loss of tissue containing elastin and collagen does occur in partial- and full-thickness burns but would not be a source of constriction that would prevent lung expansion. Ischemia and hypoxia may be experienced in the alveoli due to inhalation burns; however, restricted breathing (a mechanical process) is more of a risk due to circumferential eschar formation. Although fluid overload is a possibility, it is not likely to restrict breathing unless it is combined with eschar formation.