FRAME 77
The second broad therapeutic category of
intravenous therapy involving fluids and electrolytes
is referred to as replacement. Replacement
therapy is designed to help patients with pre-
existing or continuing fluid and electrolyte losses
requiring replacement of extracellular fluid.
Solutions used for replacement therapy should be
tailored to fill the needs of the patient. For
example, a patient who has had severe diarrhea for
three days would have different fluid and electrolyte
requirements than a patient who has suffered from
severe vomiting for three days. Laboratory tests
can be used to gain an idea of the electrolytes and
the numbers of each electrolyte that need to be
replaced. Once laboratory results are obtained, a
solution can be prepared to replace depleted fluids
and electrolytes. A solution such as 5% dextrose
solution can be used as a parent solution for such a
preparation.
FRAME 78
Remember, in cases where deficiencies in fluids
and electrolytes exist, fluid and electrolyte
maintenance and replacement therapy must be
instituted in most cases.
FRAME 79
Two broad therapeutic uses of intravenous
solutions in regard to fluid and electrolyte therapy
are referred to as maintenance and replacement.
MD0807
5-26