Management of Intravenous Infusion Therapy by Nurses

Abstract

At birth, the total body weight constitutes 75% of water. It starts decline to 60% from the age of two years onwards. The total body water is compartmentalized into intracellular and extracellular fluids at birth and 20% at the age of 7 years. The distribution of the body fluid is defined by the composition of electrolytes and protein in different compartments. The concentration of electrolyte is expressed in MEq/L. The osmolarity of solution determines the movement of water across the semi-permeable membrane. Fluid balance is maintained by intake and excretion of water; additionally, the metabolism in the body causes insensible fluid loss, and for maintaining the fluid–electrolyte balance, proper intake of fluid is necessary. Some other aspects of fluid loss, such as social and psychological factors, can also contribute for dehydration; therefore, when there is disruption in normal homeostatic mechanism of fluid balance due to certain diseases such as burn, heart failure, diarrhea, vomiting, etc., it can lead to electrolyte imbalance which can lead to life-threatening state. According to World Health Organization, 525,000 children under five years die each year due to dehydration caused by diarrheal diseases. Severe dehydration due to fluid loss is the main cause of death; it can only be prevented by adequate knowledge and practice of fluid replacement therapy among nurses, which includes selection of intravenous fluid for the patient and maintaining intake output chart. Intake includes oral, intravenous and tube-feeding, and output includes urination, excessive perspiration, wound and tube drainage, vomit, and diarrhea.