Intravenous Fluid Management in Critically Ill Adults: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Fluid physiology
• Pharmacology of intravenous fluids

Background:

• Intravenous fluid administration is a common ICU intervention.
• Critically ill patients exhibit dynamic fluid needs.
• Inappropriate fluid use can lead to adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review intravenous fluid management in critically ill adults.
• To discuss fluid physiology and therapy goals.
• To highlight the critical care nurse's role in fluid selection and monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of various intravenous fluid types (crystalloids, colloids).
• Evaluation of fluid properties and hemodynamic impact.
• Discussion of clinical and laboratory assessments for fluid therapy goals.

Main Results:

• Balanced salt solutions may be advantageous in certain patient populations.
• Understanding fluid properties is crucial for nurses.
• Patient-specific assessment guides optimal fluid selection and dosage.

Conclusions:

• Effective fluid management requires understanding fluid physiology and patient status.
• Nurses play a vital role in safe and effective intravenous fluid therapy.
• New evidence supports specific fluid types for improved patient outcomes.