The importance of fluid balance in clinical practice
Intended for healthcare professionals
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The importance of fluid balance in clinical practice

Katie Scales Consultant nurse, Critical Care, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London
Julie Pilsworth Sister, Critical Care Outreach, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London

This article reviews the physiology that underpins normal fluid balance and discusses how fluid balance can be affected by illness. Clinical assessment of hydration and the importance of fluid balance record keeping are explained. Recommendations are made to improve fluid balance management in clinical practice and the professional importance of record keeping is highlighted.

Nursing Standard. 22, 47, 50-57. doi: 10.7748/ns2008.07.22.47.50.c6634

Correspondence

katie.scales@imperial.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

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