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Burns — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateEmergency PaediatricsBurnsRACP Paediatrics

A 3-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a scald burn to the anterior chest and abdomen. Using the Lund and Browder chart, the estimated burn surface area is 12% total body surface area (TBSA). The burn is painful with blistering. What is the burn depth and does this child require IV fluid resuscitation?

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Correct answer: D — Partial thickness burn – IV fluid resuscitation required for burns >10% TBSA in children

A painful burn with blistering is a partial thickness (second-degree) burn. In children, IV fluid resuscitation is required for burns >10% TBSA (compared to >15–20% in adults). The Parkland formula (3–4 mL × kg × %TBSA in children) using Hartmann's solution is commonly used, with half given in the first 8 hours and the remainder over the next 16 hours.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2024 – Clinical Practice Guidelines: Burns