According to Parkland burn resuscitation, what proportion of total fluids is given in the first 8 hours?

• A. Half
• B. One quarter
• C. Three quarters
• D. None

Answer: (A)

In Parkland burn resuscitation, the total fluid volume given in the first 24 hours is calculated as 4 mL per kilogram of body weight per percent of TBSA burned, using Lactated Ringer’s solution. The crucial point is that half of that total is delivered in the first 8 hours after the burn injury, with the remaining half given over the next 16 hours. This makes the initial resuscitation rapid to restore intravascular volume, then gradually tapers to maintain perfusion without overloading the patient. Remember, the clock starts at the moment of injury, not when care begins. For example, a patient weighing 70 kg with 40% burn would receive about 11,200 mL in the first 24 hours, with roughly 5,600 mL in the first 8 hours. Monitoring urine output helps guide ongoing adjustments to keep perfusion appropriate.