Toxic epidermal necrolysis causes destruction of the patient’s first line of defense against invading pathogens – the skin. Therefore, the patient is at risk for sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Destruction of the skin also leads to significant insensible water loss and dehydration, which can cause acute renal failure if not managed properly. Inadequate nutrition due to destruction of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract can be life-threatening, as well. The patient is at risk for life-threatening hypothermia, not hyperthermia, due to skin damage. Although the patient is at risk for impaired self-image, this is not life-threatening.