According to the rules of tens, how is the initial fluid resuscitation rate calculated?

The correct answer involves the calculation of the initial fluid resuscitation rate for burn patients, which is critical for their management in the acute phase. The "rules of tens" dictates that the total body surface area (TBSA) percentage of burns is multiplied by 10 to determine the initial fluid resuscitation in milliliters per hour for the first 24 hours.

This approach establishes a guideline to ensure that patients receive adequate hydration based on the severity of their burns. For instance, if a patient has burns covering 20% TBSA, the calculation would yield an initial fluid requirement of 200 mL per hour. This formula helps healthcare providers promptly address the needs of burn victims, as considerable fluid loss occurs in these patients due to damaged skin and increased capillary permeability.

Using a calculation based on TBSA multiplied by 5, 15, or 20 would not align with the established guidelines and could potentially lead to under-resuscitation or over-resuscitation, both of which are detrimental to the patient's recovery and overall survival. The accuracy of the initial fluid resuscitation rate is crucial, as it plays a significant role in preventing shock and organ failure during the critical early hours of burn treatment.