ATLS Thermal and Electrical Injuries 2

Question 1

Using the Parkland formula, what is the 24-hour fluid requirement for a 70 kg patient with 40% TBSA burns?

Accepted Answer

11,200 mL

Answer

Parkland formula: 4 mL x 70 kg x 40% = 11,200 mL LR over 24 hours, half in first 8 hours.

Question 2

A patient with circumferential full-thickness burns of both legs develops tense compartments and diminished pulses. Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Perform escharotomy

Answer

Circumferential full-thickness burns create rigid eschar acting as a tourniquet; escharotomy restores perfusion.

Question 3

What percentage of TBSA does one patient palm (including fingers) represent?

Accepted Answer

1%

Answer

The patient's palm plus fingers equals approximately 1% TBSA.

Question 4

An electrician sustains high-voltage (>1000V) electrical injury with minimal skin burns. What internal injuries should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Deep muscle necrosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and rhabdomyolysis

Answer

High-voltage injuries cause extensive deep tissue damage disproportionate to visible burns.

Question 5

Which burn type is characterized by white/waxy appearance, no pain, and no capillary refill?

Accepted Answer

Full-thickness (third-degree)

Answer

Full-thickness burns destroy all skin layers including nerve endings, resulting in insensate, white/waxy wounds requiring grafting.

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test