What is the primary goal of fluid resuscitation for burn victims?

The primary goal of fluid resuscitation for burn victims is to prevent burn-induced hypovolemic shock. When a person suffers from significant burns, especially those affecting a large percentage of body surface area, they can experience a substantial loss of plasma and extracellular fluid. This fluid loss can lead to decreased blood volume, resulting in hypovolemic shock, where the body does not have enough circulating blood volume to supply the organs with sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

Fluid resuscitation is critical in the initial management of burn victims because it helps restore intravascular volume, maintain blood pressure, and ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs. By addressing this critical aspect, healthcare providers can stabilize the patient's condition, reduce the risk of multiple organ failure, and improve overall outcomes.

While infection prevention, wound healing, and pain control are important elements of comprehensive burn care, the immediate focus in the context of acute management following a burn injury is primarily on fluid resuscitation to prevent complications like hypovolemic shock.