What IV fluid resuscitation formula is described for burns?

• A. LR 2 cc/kg/% BSA
• B. LR 4 cc/kg/% BSA
• C. LR 6 cc/kg/% BSA
• D. LR 8 cc/kg/% BSA

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that burn resuscitation follows the Parkland approach: give lactated Ringer’s solution at 4 mL per kilogram of body weight for every percent of TBSA burned, over the first 24 hours. Half of that total is given in the first eight hours after the burn, with the remaining half delivered over the next 16 hours. This method aims to rapidly restore intravascular volume and tissue perfusion while avoiding fluid overload. Lactated Ringer’s is preferred because its electrolyte composition more closely resembles plasma and it avoids the acidosis that can come from large volumes of normal saline. Using the multipliers 2, 6, or 8 would not align with this standard resuscitation approach and would risk under- or over-resuscitation.