Final answer:
Fluid resuscitation for burns is required to counteract dehydration and hypovolemia and is calculated using the burn's size. It's indicated when blood loss might exceed 500 ml or 7 ml/kg in children. The fluid volume is determined by the TBSA burned and the patient's weight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluid Resuscitation for Burns
Fluid resuscitation for burns is initiated when there is a significant risk of dehydration and hypovolemia due to the body’s inflammatory response, which can result in a critical loss of fluids. The need for specialized treatment is guided by the size of the burn, and it typically begins if there is a risk of blood loss of at least 500 ml or 7 ml/kg of body weight, especially in children. Fluid resuscitation is calculated based on the percentage of body area (TBSA) that is burned, using formulas such as the Parkland formula, which suggests 4 ml of lactated Ringer's solution per kilogram of body weight per percent of TBSA burned, administered over the first 24 hours. This formula helps to ensure that the patient receives an adequate amount of fluids to maintain perfusion and prevent complications like shock.