How is Parkland formula fluid distribution typically administered over time?

• A. Half in first 8 hours, remainder over 16 hours
• B. All within first 6 hours
• C. Equally over 24 hours
• D. First 12 hours

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how Parkland-based resuscitation is spread over the first 24 hours after a burn. The total fluid volume is calculated (4 mL × body weight in kilograms × percent TBSA burned) and given in a two-phase schedule: half of that total in the first 8 hours after the burn, then the remaining half over the next 16 hours. This pattern targets the period when capillary leak and fluid shifts are most intense, so a rapid initial influx helps restore intravascular volume and preserve organ perfusion, followed by a slower, sustained delivery as the leak begins to stabilize. If the patient presents later than the injury, you still aim to complete the 24-hour plan by adjusting the rates based on time since injury. After the first 24 hours, fluid management shifts to ongoing perfusion and urine output targets rather than sticking to the initial Parkland calculation.