Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Test with focused study methods including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Practice with hints and detailed explanations to boost your readiness for the exam.

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What is the recommended fluid resuscitation formula for severe burns?

  1. Parkland formula

  2. Modified Brooke formula

  3. Crystal formulation

  4. Zero fluid resuscitation

The correct answer is: Parkland formula

The Parkland formula is widely recognized as a standard approach for fluid resuscitation in patients suffering from severe burns. This formula takes into account the total body surface area (TBSA) that has been burned and calculates the amount of fluid required to maintain adequate circulation and tissue perfusion following a burn injury. Specifically, the formula suggests administering 4 mL of lactated Ringer's solution per kilogram of body weight for each percentage of TBSA burned. Half of the calculated fluid volume is typically given within the first 8 hours post-injury, with the remainder administered over the following 16 hours. This method ensures that the patient receives enough fluid to compensate for the significant loss due to burns, which can lead to hypovolemic shock if not adequately addressed. Other fluid resuscitation formulas, like the Modified Brooke formula, also exist but tend to be used in different contexts or clinical scenarios. Zero fluid resuscitation would generally not be appropriate in cases of severe burns, as this would neglect the critical needs of the patient whose body is already compromised.