What is the primary goal of fluid replacement in burn patients?

The primary goal of fluid replacement in burn patients is to restore circulatory volume. When a person suffers significant burns, they experience a loss of fluid from the burned skin and surrounding tissue due to increased permeability of the capillaries and evaporative loss. This fluid loss can lead to hypovolemia, which significantly impacts circulation and can result in shock if not addressed.

Restoring circulatory volume ensures that vital organs receive adequate blood flow and oxygen, which is critical for maintaining function and preventing complications. Fluid resuscitation helps to stabilize the patient, correct electrolyte imbalances, and reduce the risk of renal failure.

While hydration of skin tissue is important for healing, it is a secondary outcome in the overall management of burn patients. Maximizing calorie intake and increasing metabolic rate are also considerations in burn care, especially for healing and recovery, but they do not address the immediate life-threatening issue of circulatory volume depletion that must be prioritized.