Final answer:
The Parkland formula is used to calculate fluid requirements for burn patients in the first 24 hours post-injury. It involves multiplying 4ml by the patient's weight in kg and the percentage of TBSA burned; half is given in the first 8 hours, the remainder over the following 16 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
Administering Fluids with the Parkland Formula
The Parkland formula is a medical guideline used for calculating the amount of intravenous fluids to give to a patient who has suffered from extensive burns, in order to ensure they remain hydrated during the first 24 hours after the injury. To use the Parkland formula, you first need the patient's weight and the total body surface area (TBSA) that has been burned. The formula is 4ml of lactated Ringer's solution per kilogram of body weight, per percentage of TBSA burned. For example, if a patient weighs 70kg and has 20% TBSA burned, the calculation would be 4ml x 70kg x 20% = 5600ml over 24 hours. The first half of this fluid (2800ml) is given in the first 8 hours from the time of burn, and the remaining half over the subsequent 16 hours.
Correct fluid administration is critical to preventing shock and ensuring proper circulatory volume.