Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 August 2022
Intravenous fluids are solutions containing various quantities of water, electrolytes, salts, and sugar. They are used to maintain haemostasis when the enteral route is insufficient to meet physiological demand. Fluid therapy maintains hydration, oxygen delivery, and thus organ function. Poor perioperative fluid control is associated with impaired physiological function, resulting in patient harm and increasing healthcare costs. Perioperative fluid management is based upon three distinct but related factors: patient (age and comorbidities), surgical (urgency, indication and duration) and anaesthetic. This chapter is an introduction to intravenous fluids, highlighting the physiological control mechanisms, the composition of intravenous fluids, and important clinical assessment principles.
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