Physical Assessment: Fluid Status

Question 1

Facial/Oral assessment

Answer 1

Mucus membranes dry/moist
Nose, mouth, tongue
Are eyes sunken?
Or signs of oedema?

Question 2

Vital signs

Answer 2

Dehydration = hypotension, postural drop of more than 10 for BP, tachycardic but weak, shallow resporations

Fluid overload = Tachycardia, hypertension, increased resp rate/effort/noise/moist cough

Question 3

Skin

Answer 3

Skin turgor
Dry and less elastic or oedema indicates fluid overload
Cap refill time
Should be less than 2 seconds
Good indication of intravascular pressure/volume/hydration

Jugular/venous pressure
Raised in overload

Question 4

Max Dose

Answer 4

40mg/kg total - consult for further

Question 5

Dosage

Answer 5

10mL/kg (potentially for paediatrics need to confirm)

20mL/kg for dehydration standard