Fluids

Question 1

How should you determine fluid rate in a patient?

Answer 1

Generally fluid input = output e.g. if 1 L of urine out every 4 hours, give one bag (1L) every 4 hours of fluid

Question 2

What are maintenance fluids for a normal adult?

Answer 2

3L/day (one bag 8 hourly)

Question 3

What are maintenance fluids for the elderly or very underweight?

Answer 3

2L/day (one bag every 12 hours)

Question 4

What is the daily KCl requirement for adults who are NBM?

Answer 4

40-60mmol/day

Question 5

What is the fluid of choice for a patient in hypotensive shock?

Answer 5

Systolic BP colloid as fluid challenge

Question 6

What is the Na content in Hartmann’s solution?

Answer 6

131mmol/L

Question 7

What is the Na content in 0.9% saline?

Answer 7

154mmol/L

Question 8

What is the Cl- concentration in normal plasma?

Answer 8

103mmol/L

Question 9

What is the Cl- concentration in 0.9% saline?

Answer 9

154mmol/L

Question 10

What is the Cl- concentration in Hartmann’s?

Answer 10

111mmol/L

Question 11

What is a fluid bolus?

Answer 11

500ml 0.9%/Hartmann’s over 15 minutes

Question 12

How much can you give in a fluid bolus?

Answer 12

Up to 2L

Question 13

What would be an example of daily maintenance fluids?

Answer 13

5% glucose and 0.9% NaCl with added potassium in a ratio of 2:1 (2 sweet 1 salty)