Fluid management

• Purpose 


  To determine whether there is deficit or an excess of fluid, understanding a patients fluid status can give an indication of overall health
• what is measured

  fluid intake and fluid outtake of a patient
• possible fluid outputs

  • urine
  • stool
  • stoma sites
  • wound exudate
  • gastric outlets
  • drains
  • suction
  • blood loss
  • insensible loss
• fluid anatomy 


  fluid shifts happen when fluid in the body moves between fluid compartments.

  the two main body systems that help maintain fluid regulation in the body are the cardiovascular system and the renal system
• Documentation

  • Measured depending on the patient
  • Fluid balance charts are essential
  • Inform patients why their fluid balance is being monitored
• collection 


  where possible use cardboard disposable buckets / bowls - unless sterile samples are required.
• measuring

  urine is measured in mls - jugs or syringes

  other output measured via syringe eg PEG / NG, wound exudate, drains
• symptoms of dehydration 


  dry or sticky mouth

  lethargy

  sunken eyes

  weight loss

  low or no urine output

  dark yellow urine

  dizziness

  confusion

  lack or tears or sweat

  falls / difficulty walking

  low blood pressure

  raised heart rate
• what to do for dehydrated patients

  monitor fluid balance strictly - review daily or 6 hourly

  give oral rehydration or IV fluids

  give mouth care and any pain relief