American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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According to the Parkland formula, what volume of fluid should be given in the first 24 hours for burns exceeding 15-20% total body surface area (TBSA)?

  1. 3 mL/kg/% TBSA

  2. 5 mL/kg/% TBSA

  3. 4 mL/kg/% TBSA

  4. 6 mL/kg/% TBSA

The correct answer is: 4 mL/kg/% TBSA

The correct choice is based on the Parkland formula, which is a widely used guideline for fluid resuscitation in burn patients. According to this formula, for burns covering more than 15-20% of total body surface area (TBSA), the recommended volume of fluid to be administered in the first 24 hours is determined to be 4 mL of crystalloid fluid per kilogram of body weight for each percentage of TBSA burned. This calculation helps address the significant fluid loss that occurs due to burns and establishes a foundation for providing adequate circulatory volume to prevent hypovolemic shock. The fluid should be administered with half of the total volume calculated given in the first 8 hours post-injury and the remaining half over the subsequent 16 hours. Understanding this standard is crucial for nursing and medical staff involved in the management of burn patients, as it ensures timely and effective fluid resuscitation which can drastically improve patient outcomes and recovery.