If the patient is hypotensive, infuse fluid rapidly until the patient is hemodynamically stable. Give additional fluid based on burn resuscitation formulas. Remove all clothing, including melted plastics or synthetics. Even without hemorrhage, severely burned patients may require transfusion. Place foley catheter to monitor urine output in response to fluid therapy.
Gastric distention is common with severe burns.
Place an NG tube. Admit the patient to the hospital, or transfer to a regional burn center, after all problems are diagnosed and stabilized. Back to Index. If blood pressure, pulse rate, skin color, and urine output indicate good circulating volume, slow the infusion to a rate that will deliver an additional 1 mL per kg per percent burn over the next 6-8 hours. Back to Index.