PATIENT SUPPORT - Fluid Therapy Flashcards
What is dehydration?
Dehydration is a deficit in total body water
What is hypovolaemia?
Hypovolaemia is a deficit in intravascular volume
What are the four key clinical signs of hypovolaemia?
Cold extremities
Weak peripheral pulses
Tachycardia
Prolonged capillary refill time
What causes cold extremities, weak peripheral pulses, prolonged capillary refill time and tachycardia in hypovolaemic patients?
Hypovolaemia leads to reduced blood pressure and tissue perfusion which results in cold extremities, weak peripheral pulses and prolonged capillary refill time. The heart rate increases to compensate for this
Which clinical sign of hypovolaemia can be seen in cats but not dogs?
Bradycardia
Which clinical sign indicates a fluid deficit of less than 5%?
Undetectable clinical signs
Which clinical signs indicate a fluid deficit of 5-6%?
Tacky mucous membranes
Which clinical signs indicate a fluid deficit of 6-8%?
Decreased skin elasticity (mild skin tent)
Dry mucous membranes
Which clinical sign indicates a fluid deficit of 8-10%?
Retracted globes within the orbit (eye sinking)
Which clinical signs indicate a fluid deficit of 10-12%?
Persistent marked skin tenting
Some clinical signs of hypovolaemia
Which clinical sign indicates a fluid deficit of over 12%?
Hypovolaemic shock
Death
How to you calculate the total fluid requirement for a patient?
Total fluid requirement = Maintenance fluids + Fluid deficit + Ongoing losses
When is Hartmann’s solution the most appropriate choice for fluid therapy?
What is the basic ‘rule of thumb’ for maintenance fluid calculations?
On average, maintenance fluids should be 50ml/kg/day. If an animal appears dehydrated OR in vomiting multiply this value by 2. If an animal appears dehydrated AND is vomiting, multiply this value by 3
How do you calculate the maintenance fluid requirement for an animal with no ongoing losses?
Maintenance (ml) = Body weight (kg) x 50ml/kg/day
