The Importance Of Managing Patients’ IV Fluids

The NICE clinical guideline ‘Intravenous Fluid Therapy In Adults In Hospital’ states that the assessment and management of patients’ fluids and electrolyte needs is fundamental to good patient care. The clinical guideline aims to help prescribers understand the optimal amount and composition of intravenous (IV) fluids to be administered and the best rate at which to give them.  The overall  objective is to improve fluid prescribing in hospitalised patients, help reduce both morbidity and mortality and lead to better patient outcomes.

NICE advises healthcare providers remember the five Rs when prescribing IV fluids: Resuscitation, Routine maintenance, Replacement, Redistribution and Reassessment.  NICE recommends IV fluid prescriptions include the type of fluid to be administered and the rate and volume of fluid to be administered. Patients should have an IV fluid management plan, which should include details of the fluid and electrolyte prescription over the next 24 hours and an ongoing assessment and monitoring plan.

Full details of the NICE guideline can be found at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg174

When fluids and blood need to be warmed, to minimise the risk of hypothermia,  it is important this is done quickly, to the correct temperature and without the risk of contamination. The Biegler Protherm II is a multipurpose device for the warming of normal and massive transfusions or for liquids. The Biegler Protherm II heats fluids gently with three independently controlled heat zones. It features a bifurcated giving set with a thrombosis filter and bubble trap. The Biegler Protherm II can be used in conjunction with the Biegler Autopress automatic pressure infusor, to create a high flow system, or it can be used as a stand-alone device. The Biegler 685 is also available for standard flow fluid warming, using an extended length giving set.  This removes the need for a dedicated disposable.

When administering IV fluids, automated pressure infusors can be used to inflate the bags more quickly and easily.  Manually inflating bags can be time consuming and rely on pressure gauges on the inflation bags being accurate and easy to read.  The bags also need to be checked periodically, to ensure the pressure is being maintained as the fluid is administered.  The Biegler Autopress automatic pressure infusor replaces the need for manual inflation and bag checking. Due to its electronic pressure regulator, it is easy to operate and provides a quick and accurate way of inflating bags to the required pressure.

For advice on IV fluid warming, along with information on the Biegler range, contact Tracey Pavier-Grant, Sales & Marketing Director at Central Medical Supplies, on 01538 392 596 or email tracey@centralmedical.co.uk. Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting www.centralmedical.co.uk