Fluid losses
Symptoms...
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Oliguria
- Confusion
Causes of post-op fluid depletion...
- Hypovolaemia
- Pyrexia
- Diuretics
- Drain losses
Fluid loss consequences...
- Renal failure
- Complete organ failure
- Cerebral infarction (necrosis caused by blocked blood vessel)
- Breakdown of bowel anastomoses
At risk patients...
- Elderly
- Cardio-vascular disorders
- Renal disease
- Cerebrovascular disease
Patients potentially at risk...
- Epidurals (vasodilation)
- Pre-op bowel preps
Typical adult losses are:
| Source | Amount |
|---|
| Urine | 1,500 ml |
| Skin | 900 ml |
| Expiration | 400 ml |
| Faeces | 200 ml |