Fluids

Question 1

What is the approximate formula for calculating a child’s blood volume, and when giving a fluid bolus how much should be given?

Answer 1

80mls/kg

20mls/kg 0.9% saline

Question 2

What are the rough formulas for estimating a child’s weight?

Answer 2

The Best Guess (BG) method formula (2×age +10)

Question 3

What is the method used to estimate the maintenance fluids needed?

Answer 3

100mls/kg for the first 10kg
50mls/kg for the next 10kg
20mls/kg for evey kg after

A combination of 0.9% saline and 5% dextrose is recommended

Question 4

In a trauma situation how much of a bolus should be administered?

Answer 4

10mls/kg when giving blood products as there is a risk of disturbing a blood clot.

Always replace blood with blood.

Question 5

What should be checked whenever giving fluids in children?

Answer 5

Electrolyte levels this can be checked via a blood sample from IV access or from a heel prick test.

Note: electrolytes may appear deranged on a heel prick test.