Postoperative Fluid Monitoring and Management

Fluid therapy is ubiquitous in a hospital setting, rarely is there a patient admitted to a hospital not requiring parenteral fluids. Knowledge needed for proper fluid management includes how fluid is compartmentalized within the body, the physiology that causes the different compartments, how much fluid the body needs for homeostasis, and how to balance input and output of fluids. One should also know the composition of a variety of fluid types, and which one is the best option in different clinical settings. It is paramount to understand the basics of fluid management to optimize its benefits and decrease the risks.