Which IV fluid is commonly used for burn resuscitation?

Which IV fluid is commonly used for burn resuscitation?

• A. Normal saline
• B. Dextrose 5% in water
• C. Lactated Ringer's solution
• D. Hypertonic saline

Answer: (C)

Burn resuscitation relies on restoring intravascular volume after major burns, when massive capillary leak depletes circulating fluid. A balanced isotonic crystalloid that mirrors plasma electrolytes supports perfusion while minimizing acid–base and electrolyte disturbances. Lactated Ringer's solution fits this role well: it is isotonic, contains sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium in physiologic proportions, and its lactate component is metabolized to bicarbonate, providing a buffering effect that helps maintain acid–base balance during the resuscitation period. This approach reduces the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis that can accompany large volumes of normal saline. Dextrose-containing fluids don’t provide adequate intravascular support for initial resuscitation and can cause hyperglycemia; hypertonic saline is not standard for routine burn resuscitation and carries risks of rapid fluid shifts. Therefore, Lactated Ringer's solution is the preferred fluid for burn resuscitation.

Burn resuscitation relies on restoring intravascular volume after major burns, when massive capillary leak depletes circulating fluid. A balanced isotonic crystalloid that mirrors plasma electrolytes supports perfusion while minimizing acid–base and electrolyte disturbances. Lactated Ringer's solution fits this role well: it is isotonic, contains sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium in physiologic proportions, and its lactate component is metabolized to bicarbonate, providing a buffering effect that helps maintain acid–base balance during the resuscitation period. This approach reduces the risk of hyperchloremic acidosis that can accompany large volumes of normal saline. Dextrose-containing fluids don’t provide adequate intravascular support for initial resuscitation and can cause hyperglycemia; hypertonic saline is not standard for routine burn resuscitation and carries risks of rapid fluid shifts. Therefore, Lactated Ringer's solution is the preferred fluid for burn resuscitation.