Short Answer 
Effective management of burn patients involves assessing urine output to monitor kidney function and fluid status, typically aiming for 0.5 ml/kg/hr. If urine output is low, the intravenous fluid rate should be increased while closely monitoring the patient’s response, in collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.
Step 1: Assess Urine Output
In a burn patient, urine output is a critical indicator of fluid status and kidney function. The target urine output for an adult receiving intravenous fluid resuscitation is typically about 0.5 ml/kg/hr. For example, a 75kg individual should produce around 37.5 ml/hr. If the patient’s urine output falls below this threshold, it suggests potential kidney under-perfusion.
Step 2: Increase Intravenous Fluid Administration
When faced with low urine output, the nurse should anticipate the need to increase the rate of intravenous fluid administration. This adjustment is crucial to ensure adequate fluid replacement and prevent complications such as dehydration or renal failure. The nurse must closely monitor the patient’s response to the increased fluids and reassess urine output regularly.
Step 3: Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals
This decision to adjust fluid resuscitation should always involve collaboration with the healthcare team. Maintaining open communication ensures that the patient’s clinical condition is being evaluated holistically. It’s crucial to combine laboratory values, vital signs, and urine output metrics to guide effective fluid management for burn patients.