References
Fluid therapy for emergent and critical cases: hypovolaemia vs dehydration
Abstract
Intravenous fluid therapy is commonly used in emergent and critical patients. Water is a nutrient that is vital to the survival of patients, but one that must be replenished daily. Fluid in the body can be subdivided into intracellular and extracellular portions, with extracellular being further divided into interstitial and intravascular compartments. Fluid loss from all compartments is called dehydration – this is not immediately life threatening. Hypovolaemia is fluid loss from the intravascular compartment – this is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Prompt patient assessment and identification of these conditions is essential in selecting the right treatment for the patient. Goal-directed therapy is the gold standard approach for patients receiving intravenous fluid therapy and the veterinary nurse has a key role to play in patient monitoring.
Intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) is commonly found in plans for treating emergent and critical patients (King and Boag, 2018), to support the cardiovascular system. IVFT can be used in the treatment of absolute or relative hypovolaemia (Yildiz and Karakoc, 2013), hydration deficits and to maintain normal water, electrolyte and acid–base balance. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to be used; all fluid therapy calculations are based on estimates (Malbrain et al, 2020) and what works well for one patient might not for the next. Both the inciting cause and ongoing pathology can influence the effect of IVFT. Goal-directed therapy is the gold standard approach for patients receiving IVFT (Voldby et al, 2018), making the nurse's role of monitoring the patient a very important part of providing the best treatment to the patient.
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