Fluid and Electrolytes

Fluid and Electrolytes

Normal Intake and Output
■ Intake: 1500–2500 mL over a 24-hour period
■ Remember! A kg gained is a liter retained!
■ Output: 1500–2500 mL over a 24-hour period (40–80 mL/hr)
■ Minimum urine output is 30 mL/hr
■ Insensible loss (respiration, sweating, BM) is 500–1000 mL/day

Fluid Volume Overload
■ General:Weight gain and edema
■ Skin mucous membranes: Skin stretched and shiny
■ CV: Decreased hematocrit, ↑ pulse pressure, emptying of hand veins > 5 seconds, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure
■ Urinary: Polyuria, dilute urine
■ GI: Nausea and anorexia (edema of bowel)
■ CNS: Deteriorating confusion

Fluid Volume Deficit
■ General:Weight loss
■ Skin mucous membranes: Decreased skin turgor, dry mucous membranes
■ CV: Increased hematocrit, narrowing pulse pressure, filling of hand veins > 5 seconds, postural hypotension, tachycardia upon standing
■ Urinary: Oliguria, concentrated urine
■ GI: Thirst, anorexia (decreased blood flow to intestine), longitudinal furrows on tongue
■ CNS: Confusion and disorientation