
The veterinarian will calculate the fluid replacement volume based on three values: the percent dehydration, ongoing losses, and the maintenance requirement. To calculate the percent dehydration, or hydration deficit, the following formula is used: Body weight in kg x percent dehydration (as a decimal) = the fluid deficit in ml
How do you calculate fluid deficit?
To calculate the patient's fluid deficit, the veterinarian will multiply the patient's body weight (lb) by the percent dehydration as a decimal and then multiply it by 500. The result of this calculation is the amount of fluid a patient needs to become rehydrated if there are no ongoing losses.
What does fluid volume deficit look like?
Now let’s talk about what this patient might look like. So the patient that is fluid volume deficit will probably have a low blood pressure from the decreased volume of fluid in the bloodstream. The heart rate will go up to compensate for that low volume. The pulses may feel weak because there isn’t a lot of pressure in the bloodstream.
What lab tests are done to diagnose fluid deficit?
When the doctor suspects that the patient is deficit of fluid, they may order electrolyte lab draws like sodium to check to help decide on a treatment plan for the patient. Urine osmolality may be ordered as well to measure the solutes in the urine.
What is the nursing diagnosis for fluid volume deficit?
The nursing diagnosis Fluid Volume Deficit (also known as Deficient Fluid Volume) is defined as decreased intravascular, interstitial, and/or intracellular fluid. This refers to dehydration, water loss alone without change in sodium. Use this nursing diagnosis guide to develop your fluid volume deficit care plan. Deficient...

What labs monitor fluid volume deficit?
AdvertisementBlood tests. Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working.Urinalysis. Tests done on your urine can help show whether you're dehydrated and to what degree.
How do you calculate fluid loss in nursing?
Fluid deficit = Pre-illness weight – Illness weight. % Dehydration = (Pre-illness weight – Illness weight)/Illness weight × 100%. Once the fluid deficit is calculated, subtract any fluid bolus before determining the hourly rate.
How do you calculate fluids for a patient?
Maintenance Fluid Rate is calculated based on weight.4 mL / kg / hour for the first 10kg of body mass.2 mL / kg / hour for the second 10kg of body mass (11kg - 20kg)1 mL / kg / hour for any kilogram of body mass above 20kg (> 20kg)
How is fluid balance measured?
Measure any fluids offered to the person and make a note of how much the person drinks and the time of the day at which it is drunk. If the person is drinking from a jug, obtain the total intake by subtracting the fluid remaining in the jug at the end of the day plus any fluid added.
What is fluid volume deficit?
Fluid volume deficit (FVD) or hypovolemia is a state or condition where the fluid output exceeds the fluid intake. It occurs when the body loses both water and electrolytes from the ECF in similar proportions. Common sources of fluid loss are the gastrointestinal tract, polyuria, and increased perspiration. Risk factors for FVD are as follows: ...
What is the role of a patient in fluid deficit?
Patient verbalizes awareness of causative factors and behaviors essential to correct fluid deficit. Patient explains measures that can be taken to treat or prevent fluid volume loss. Patient describes symptoms that indicate the need to consult with health care provider.
What is the goal of fluid management?
The goals of management are to treat the underlying disorder and return the extracellular fluid compartment to normal, to restore fluid volume, and to correct any electrolyte imbalances. ADVERTISEMENTS.
How does fluid come into the body?
Most fluid comes into the body through drinking, water in food, and water formed by oxidation of foods. Verifying if the patient is on a fluid restraint is necessary. Note presence of nausea, vomiting and fever. These factors influence intake, fluid needs, and route of replacement.
What is fluid balance?
Fluid balance is a term used to describe the balance of the input and output of fluids in the body to allow metabolic processes to function correctly (Welch, 2010). Around 52% of total body weight in women and 60% in men is fluid.
Why is fluid intake so inadequate?
Inadequate fluid intake can be caused by a refusal to drink due to fear of incontinence , dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, fluid restriction for conditions such as heart failure, and increased frailty (see Box 1). Box 1. inadequate fluid intake causes. Refusal to drink for fear of incontinence;
What is the definition of dehydration in nursing?
Dehydration is defined as a 1% or greater loss of body mass as a result of fluid loss. Symptoms include impaired cognitive function, headaches, fatigue and dry skin.
What are the elements of fluid balance?
The three elements to assessing fluid balance and hydration status are: clinical assessment, body weight and urine output; review of fluid balance charts; and review of blood chemistry. Fluid balance recording is often inadequate or inaccurate often because of staff shortages, lack of training or lack of time.
How often should you record fluid balance chart?
How frequently the fluid balance chart data should be recorded – such as hourly or two hourly – should be clearly documented. It is not acceptable practice to use shorthand.
What is the effect of thirst on fluid intake?
As the osmotic concentration of the blood increases, this draws water from the cells into the blood .
How is water lost in the body?
Water intake is obtained from fluid and food in the diet, and is mostly lost through urine output. It is also lost through the skin as sweat, through the respiratory tract, and in faecal matter (Waugh 2007). Fig 2 shows the normal balance of water intake and output.
What is intracellular fluid deficit?
Intracellular fluid deficit means less fluid in the cells, so the cells are dehydrated. Interstitial fluid deficit means not enough fluid interstitially which is in the space outside of the vessels. Next let’s review osmolality to get a good grasp on fluid movement in the body.
What is the concentration of solutes in water called?
Osmolality is the concentration of solutes in water. So our body likes things to be equal, this is called homeostasis, so there should be equal solute and water both inside and outside of the cells like in this picture. If there is more solute inside of the cell, the fluid will move into the cell to try and equal it out.
Why does water swell in cells?
This makes the water move into the cells where there are more solutes, causing them to swell and possibly burst. Hypertonic dehydration is when the body is more depleted of solutes than water. This causes the fluid to move from the cells, causing them to shrink.
Fluid balance
Fluid balance is the balance of the input and output of fluids in the body to allow metabolic processes to function correctly. Calculating the intake and output of a patient is an important aspect of nursing.
Fluid volume deficit
Fluid volume deficit is when fluid output exceeds fluid intake, that is, the patient is not getting enough fluid.
Fluid volume excess
Fluid volume excess (or fluid volume overload) is when fluid input exceeds fluid output, that is, the patient is getting too much fluid in their body.
Full Transcript
Hi, I'm Meris. And in this video, we're going to be talking about fluid balance, osmolarity, calculating intake and output, and also talking about fluid volume excess and fluid volume deficit. Very important stuff to know for nursing school. I'm going to be following along using our Nursing Fundamentals flashcards.
Why are fluids used in surgery?
For example, fluids can be added to replace fluid losses ( e.g. vomiting, blood loss, water loss from the respiratory system) that occur before and during surgery. In addition, many sedatives and anesthetics will adversely affect the circulatory system, so fluids are used to provide hemodynamic support.
What are the two types of fluids?
Types of fluids. There are two categories of fluids: crystalloid and colloid solutions. Crystalloid solutions. These fluids contain electrolyte and nonelectrolyte solutes, which can move freely around the body's fluid compartments. Crystalloid fluids are divided into three groups: isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic.
How much urine does a chuck pad weigh?
The weight difference is the amount of urine collected. Each 2.2 lb (1 kg) more than the normal weight of the clean chuck will equal about 1,000 ml of urine.5.
How often should you measure urine production?
To be able to accurately measure urine production, a urinary catheter must be inserted and a collection system must be set up and emptied and measured every two to four hours. If inserting a urinary catheter is not an option, collect the urine via free catch or on a medical absorbent pad (a chuck pad).
What is isotonic crystalloid fluid?
An isotonic crystalloid fluid is a balanced electrolyte solution equivalent to the osmolality of the patient's red blood cells and plasma. It will cause fluids to neither exit nor enter the cells. These solutions are given to patients for perfusion support and volume replacement.

Causes
Signs and Symptoms
- The following are the common signs and symptoms presented for dehydrated patients presenting fluid volume deficit that can help guide your nursing assessment: 1. Alterations in mental state 2. Patient complaints of weakness and thirst that may or may not be accompanied by tachycardia or weak pulse 3. Weight loss (depending on the severity of fluid volume deficit) 4. Concentrated uri…
Goals and Outcomes
- Here are some example goals and outcomes for fluid volume deficit: 1. Patient is normovolemic as evidenced by systolic BP greater than or equal to 90 mm HG (or patient’s baseline), absence of orthostasis, HR 60 to 100 beats/min, urine output greater than 30 mL/hr and normal skin turgor. 2. Patient demonstrates lifestyle changes to avoid progression of dehydration. 3. Patient verbalize…
Nursing Assessment and Rationales For Fluid Volume Deficit
- Assessment is necessary to identify potential problems that may have led to fluid volume deficit and name any episode that may occur during nursing care. 1. Monitor and document vital signs, especially BP and HR. A decrease in circulating blood volume can cause hypotension and tachycardia. Alteration in HR is a compensatory mechanism to maintain ca...
Nursing Interventions For Fluid Volume Deficit
- The following are the therapeutic nursing interventions for fluid volume deficit: 1. Urge the patient to drink the prescribed amount of fluid. Oral fluid replacement is indicated for mild fluid deficit and is a cost-effective method for replacement treatment. Older patients have a decreased sense of thirst and may need ongoing reminders to drink. Being creative in selecting fluid sources (e.g.…
References and Sources
- Additional references and recommended readings for this Deficient Fluid Volume care plan guide: 1. Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Msn, R. N., Makic, M. B. F., Martinez-Kratz, M., & Zanotti, M. (2019). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook E-Book: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care. Mosby. 2. Carpenito-Moyet, L. J. (2006). Handbook of nursing diagnosis. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. …