In the Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation, what is the correct calculation for total fluid requirements?

Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Certification Test. Study with interactive tools and practice questions complete with hints and explanations. Start your journey towards becoming a specialist NP today!

The Parkland formula is a critical calculation used for determining the fluid requirements for a patient suffering from burns, particularly in the initial 24 hours post-injury. The formula states that the total fluid requirements are calculated using the formula of 4 mL/kg twice the body weight of the individual times the total body surface area (TBSA) burned.

To break this down, the "4 mL/kg" component is based on the amount of fluid needed per kilogram of body weight for each percentage of total body surface area affected by burns. Since burns can cause significant fluid loss, this formula helps ensure adequate resuscitation, potassium balance, and renal perfusion as a response to the body's physiological stress.

Moreover, the calculated total should be administered as follows: half of the total volume should be given in the first 8 hours post-injury, and the remaining half over the subsequent 16 hours. This method is aimed at preventing hypovolemic shock and ensuring that organs remain perfused.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the standard Parkland formula, which is critical for understanding proper burn management in acute care settings.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy