A 40-kg, 10-year-old child with 50% TBSA burns requires fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hours. Using 4 mL/kg/% TBSA, what is the estimated volume?

A 40-kg, 10-year-old child with 50% TBSA burns requires fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hours. Using 4 mL/kg/% TBSA, what is the estimated volume?

• A. 2.5 L
• B. 4.0 L
• C. 5.5 L
• D. 8.0 L

Answer: (D)

The calculation uses the Parkland-style resuscitation rule: 4 mL per kilogram for every percent of burned surface area, given over the first 24 hours. Multiply the factors: 4 mL × 40 kg × 50% = 8000 mL, which equals 8 liters to be administered in the first 24 hours. In practice, half of this volume is given in the first 8 hours after the burn occurs, and the remaining half over the next 16 hours. So about 4 L in the first 8 hours and 4 L in the following 16 hours.

The calculation uses the Parkland-style resuscitation rule: 4 mL per kilogram for every percent of burned surface area, given over the first 24 hours. Multiply the factors: 4 mL × 40 kg × 50% = 8000 mL, which equals 8 liters to be administered in the first 24 hours.

In practice, half of this volume is given in the first 8 hours after the burn occurs, and the remaining half over the next 16 hours. So about 4 L in the first 8 hours and 4 L in the following 16 hours.