Fluid prescribing

Question 1

Describe the formula used to calculate maintenance/routine fluids in children

Answer 1

• 100 ml/kg/day for the first 10kg of weight
• 50 ml/kg/day for the next 10kg
• 20 ml/kg/day for the weight over 20kg

When calculating, keep in mind that over a 24 hour period, males rarely need more than 2500ml and females rarely need more than 2000ml

Question 2

Fluid resuscitation in children/young people - how much fluid should you prescribe?

Answer 2

• 20 ml/kg over less than 10 minutes

- Take into account comorbidities (e.g. renal/cardiac disease) as these children may need smaller volumes