Abstract

The intake of fluid and electrolytes is inseparable from the administration of nutrients by natural or artificial means. The calculation of appropriate requirements should therefore be assigned the same importance as those of macro- and micronutrients. Despite the fact that intravenous fluids are the most common prescription in hospital patients, fluid balance is often badly managed, with adverse consequences for the patient. It is too easy to give excess by the parenteral route without regard to appropriate balance considerations and without understanding the risks. As little as a 2-l deficit or excess of saline may cause physiological and functional problems for the patient. Excess causes, for example, delayed return of GI function and increased complications after surgery.

Learning objectives

• To know water and electrolyte requirements in patients receiving artificial nutrition.
• To know electrolyte content in commercial enteral diets.
• To be aware of the changes in water and electrolyte requirements during nutritional support.