The staff are following the Parkland Formula for fluid resuscitation. The client arrived at 0200 and was admitted at 0400. She weighs 110 pounds. Calculate her fluid requirement, using the Parkland formula. Explain the time intervals and amounts for each.

Nurses homework: Burn victim assessment| Nursing homework help

1. Parkland’s formula for fluid resuscitation takes into account the body weight and percentage of affected BSA (body surface area). The formula involves administering 4 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution per kg of body weight per percentage of BSA burned, with half of the total calculated volume given in the first 8 hours post-burn and the other half given over the next 16 hours.

This client weighed 110 pounds which is approximately 50 kg. The extent of the burn is not mentioned, so let’s assume it is 30% based on the severity of the client’s condition. This means that the amount of fluid needed would be as follows:

4 mL x 50 kg x 30% = 6,000 mL or 6 liters of lactated Ringer’s solution in 24 hours

The first eight hours after the burn should see half of the volume, or 3 liters.

2. Inhalation of smoke can cause cough, wheezing and shortness in breath. Other symptoms include soot around the nose or mouth, burns, or soot on the skin. A pulse oximetry measurement may also show decreased oxygen levels.
3. These opioids (morphine, fentanyl) are used to treat pain and provide immediate relief for burn victims. The medications are administered intravenously for pain relief.
4. A healthy diet is essential for the healing of burns. The client’s nutritional requirements may include increased protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. If the client’s burns are so severe that they cannot take orally, enteral nutrition (or parenteral) may be required.
5. For infection prevention, we take measures like hand washing, using sterile instruments, and caring for wounds. To prevent infection, the client can be given prophylactic antibacterials and wounds covered in sterile dressings. Sepsis can be a problem for clients who have suffered extensive burns. Therefore, it is crucial to watch for signs of systemic infections.