Fluids

Question 1

What are the three indications for giving fluid?

Answer 1

1. Maintenance
2. Replacement
3. Resuscitation

Question 2

What would be an example of maintenance where patient is euvolaemic?

Answer 2

Fasting >8 hr

Question 3

Which solution would you use for maintenance?

Answer 3

0.18% NaCl/4% glucose +- KCL

Question 4

Which solution for replacement?

Answer 4

Hartmann’s solution

Question 5

For upper GI loss, which fluid should be used for replacement?

Answer 5

0.9% NaCl

Question 6

What are the steps for fluid challenge?

Answer 6

250-500 ml over 5-15 min and reassess

Question 7

Which fluid would you administer for resus?

Answer 7

Hartmann’s +- blood transfusion

Question 8

Patient requires fluid replacement and 1L of 0.9% sodium chloride supplemented with 40 mmol of potassium is prescribed. What is the shortest time period over which this bag of fluid can be administered safely?

Answer 8

The maximum recommended rate of potassium infusion via a peripheral line is 10 mmol/hour, whereas rates above 20 mmol/hour require cardiac monitoring

4 hours