Practical Applications of Intravenous Fluids in Surgical Patients

Fluid therapy is one of the most basic interventions spanning across all medical and surgical disciplines. Physicians need to understand the physiology of fluids and electrolytes before they can evaluate the extent to which disease pathophysiology has altered the balance, enabling them to determine the type and quantity of intravenous fluids required for treatment.

This book discusses the various types of intravenous fluid (IV) and the techniques of administration. It begins with a review of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology to provide a fundamental understanding of body fluid balance and how IV therapy can interact with each body system.

The following chapters describe the administration of fluid therapy for different surgical conditions. The final section explains the calculation of fluids.

Presented in an easy to read format, this highly useful guide includes numerous self-explanatory figures, tables and illustrations to enhance learning.

Key points

• Review of different types of intravenous fluid (IV) and techniques of administration
• Provides an understanding of body fluid balance and how IV therapy interacts with body systems
• Separate chapter dedicated to calculation of fluids
• Features figures, tables and illustrations to assist learning