A patient weighing 120 kg with partial thickness burns covering 27% of total body surface area requires fluid resuscitation. How much intravenous fluid should be administered in the first 8 hours?

• A. 3240 mL
• B. 1440 mL
• C. 2160 mL
• D. 6480 mL

Answer: (D)

Parkland formula guides burn fluid resuscitation: use 4 mL of crystalloid per kg body weight per percent TBSA burned, with lactated Ringer's as the fluid of choice. For this patient, 4 x 120 kg x 27% equals 12,960 mL to be given in the first 24 hours. Half of that should be administered in the first 8 hours from the time of burn, which is 6,480 mL. The remaining 6,480 mL is given over the next 16 hours. So in the first 8 hours, you should infuse about 6,480 mL (roughly 6.5 liters).