Chapter 21 - Fluid Therapy

IV Access

Essential for immediate administration of emergency medications and fluid replacement in surgical patients.

NPO

Nil Per Os, meaning patients should not eat or drink before surgery to reduce aspiration risk.

Crystalloids

Water-based solutions of low molecular weight salts, like 0.9% saline and lactated Ringer’s used for fluid therapy.

Colloids

Solutions containing large molecules that remain intravascular longer, used to maintain plasma volume during significant fluid loss.

Fluid Overload

Complication from over-administration of fluids leading to tissue edema, pulmonary edema, and delayed recovery.

Maintenance Therapy

Fluid replacement to counter deficits from fasting and losses during surgery.

Clinical Monitoring

Continuous assessment of fluid therapy efficacy using clinical signs, lab tests, and invasive monitoring.

Fluid Deficit Calculation

Determining total deficits from fasting, trauma, and ongoing losses to guide fluid administration.

Hypovolemia

A condition of decreased blood volume leading to shock and organ hypoperfusion due to under-resuscitation.

Bicarbonate Metabolism Risk

Increased bicarbonate levels due to lactated Ringer’s can risk metabolic alkalosis.