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Multiple Choice

Which crystalloid is used in Parkland formula?

In burn resuscitation, the Parkland formula specifies a balanced crystalloid, Lactated Ringer's solution. This fluid closely matches the body's extracellular fluid in electrolytes and provides lactate, which the body metabolizes to bicarbonate. That buffering helps prevent the metabolic acidosis that can accompany large-volume resuscitation with crystalloids. Using Lactated Ringer's thus supports both volume replacement and acid–base balance during the critical early hours after a burn. Normal saline, though sometimes used, carries a higher risk of hyperchloremic acidosis when given in large volumes. Dextrose solutions are not appropriate for initial resuscitation because they supply free water and calories but can lead to fluctuation in blood glucose and inadequate plasma volume. Albumin is a colloid and is not part of the Parkland formula's initial resuscitation plan.

In burn resuscitation, the Parkland formula specifies a balanced crystalloid, Lactated Ringer's solution. This fluid closely matches the body's extracellular fluid in electrolytes and provides lactate, which the body metabolizes to bicarbonate. That buffering helps prevent the metabolic acidosis that can accompany large-volume resuscitation with crystalloids. Using Lactated Ringer's thus supports both volume replacement and acid–base balance during the critical early hours after a burn.

Normal saline, though sometimes used, carries a higher risk of hyperchloremic acidosis when given in large volumes. Dextrose solutions are not appropriate for initial resuscitation because they supply free water and calories but can lead to fluctuation in blood glucose and inadequate plasma volume. Albumin is a colloid and is not part of the Parkland formula's initial resuscitation plan.