Fluid balance

• What is the primary focus of the 'Fluid balance' workbook?

  To discuss the importance of accurate fluid balance in children
• Why is accurate fluid balance important for patients?

  It affects their overall health and metabolic processes
• How should fluid input and output be documented?

  On a fluid balance chart
• What does fluid balance describe?

  The balance of input and output of fluids in the body
• What is recorded on a fluid balance chart?

  All fluid that goes into and comes out of the body
• How do healthy children maintain fluid balance?

  They do so naturally
• What can happen when children are unwell regarding fluid balance?

  The fluid inside the body can become out of balance
• What is the role of nurses and doctors in fluid balance?

  To frequently review a patient’s fluid balance
• What does homeostasis refer to?

  Stability, balance, or equilibrium within a cell or the body
• What aspects are maintained to achieve homeostasis?

  Body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pH, and oxygen tension
• Why is fluid balance important for homeostasis?

  It controls the amount of water and maintains electrolyte concentrations
• What is the formula for calculating fluid balance?

  Fluid balance = total intake – total output
• How can fluid balances vary in complexity?

  They can range from simple calculations to complex patient-specific charts
• What might a simple fluid balance chart document?

  The number of bottles of oral fluid and wet nappies
• What is the average fluid requirement in infants?

  75 – 80% of their total body mass
• What is the average fluid requirement in children?

  65 – 70% of their total body mass
• What is the average fluid requirement in adults?

  60% in males and 50% in females
• How does fluid enter the body?

  Through drinking, intravenous fluids, nasogastric tube, PEG feeding, and metabolic processes
• What are the primary ways fluid exits the body?

  Urine, skin (sweat), lungs, and stool
• What are some functions of fluid in the body?

  It carries nutrients, regulates temperature, protects organs, prevents constipation, and dissolves substances
• How is fluid stored in the body?

  In three ways: intracellular, interstitial, and intravascular
• What is the purpose of fluid balance charts?

  To record a patient’s fluid input and output over a 24-hour period
• Why is it important to complete fluid balance charts throughout the day?

  To ensure accuracy and monitor the patient's progress
• How is fluid balance determined at the end of a 24-hour period?

  By subtracting total output from total input
• What indicates a positive fluid balance?

  When input is greater than output
• What indicates a negative fluid balance?

  When output is greater than input
• What factors influence fluid balance?

  Psychological, social, and environmental factors
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for the first 10 kg of a child's body weight?

  100 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for the second 10 kg of a child's body weight?

  50 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for weight over 20 kg?

  20 ml/kg/day
• What is the maximum fluid maintenance for males and females?

  2500 ml for males and 2000 ml for females
• What type of fluids should maintenance fluids be?

  Isotonic crystalloids
• What should maintenance fluids in children always contain?

  Dextrose (glucose)
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for neonates on day 1?

  50 – 60 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for neonates on day 2?

  70 – 80 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for neonates on day 3?

  80 – 100 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for neonates on day 4?

  100 – 120 ml/kg/day
• What is the fluid maintenance requirement for neonates from day 5 to 28?

  120 – 150 ml/kg/day
• What is resuscitation fluid used for?

  When children are significantly fluid depleted or dehydrated
• What is a 'bolus' of fluid?

  A certain amount of fluid given fast through an IV