A 7-year-old boy is a patient in your intensive care unit. He was on a camping trip with his family when he accidentally fell on the campfire, causing severe second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body. The clinical care team tells his parents that it will be critical to maintain their son's airway and keep his fluid levels high.
The father is confused and asks you why his son's fluid level is important after a burn. How would you explain this to him?
After your explanation, the father nods that he understands. He then asks how you will measure his son's fluid levels. How would you respond?
As a clinician with knowledge of physiology, which aspects of this boy's condition would you be most concerned about?