A 30-year-old man sustains 35% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burns. Using the Parkland formula (4 mL × weight kg × %TBSA), his weight is 70 kg. Calculate the total Ringer's lactate for the first 24 hours and the volume to be given in the first 8 hours post-burn:
- A Total 8000 mL; first 8 hours 4000 mL
- B Total 9800 mL; first 8 hours 4900 mL ✓
- C Total 9800 mL; first 8 hours 2450 mL
- D Total 7000 mL; first 8 hours 3500 mL
Correct answer: B. Total 9800 mL; first 8 hours 4900 mL
Explanation
Parkland formula: 4 × 70 × 35 = 9800 mL over 24 hours. Half (4900 mL) is administered in the first 8 hours from the time of burn (not from hospital arrival); the remaining 4900 mL over the next 16 hours. Ringer's lactate is the preferred crystalloid. The 8-hour clock starts at the time of injury, so if 2 hours have elapsed before arrival, the 4900 mL must be given over 6 hours.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.