A patient entering the emergency department with third-degree burns over 25% of the body should be prepared to receive which IV solution?

In the case of a patient presenting with third-degree burns over 25% of their body, the primary goal of initial treatment is fluid resuscitation. This is crucial because extensive burns can lead to significant fluid loss due to damage to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in hypovolemia and shock if not properly managed.

Warmed lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic crystalloid solution commonly used for fluid resuscitation in burn victims. It effectively replaces lost extracellular fluid and helps maintain electrolyte balance, particularly benefiting patients who have undergone significant trauma such as burns. The lactate component can also assist in correcting metabolic acidosis that may accompany extensive burns, making it particularly suited for this scenario.

The other IV solutions listed do not provide the same level of effectiveness for fluid resuscitation in burns. Dextrose solutions may not contain enough electrolytes and are primarily used for providing calories, making them inadequate for managing acute burn fluid loss. Thus, warmed lactated Ringer's is the preferred choice for rapid and effective fluid recovery in burn victims.