This open access book published by Springer under the Open Access CC BY 4.0 Licence in
collaboration with the International Fluid Academy (IFA www.fluidacademy.org) explores
rationalized intravenous fluid therapy for critically ill patients. Despite being commonly
prescribed in inpatient settings intravenous fluids are often administered without
evidence-based guidelines neglecting essential considerations such as the fact they are drugs
that need proper dosing duration indications contraindications side effects and
de-escalation. This book fills this knowledge gap. Each chapter starts with a clinical vignette
and a related question followed by a concise summary abstract key learning points main text
and a conclusion that addresses the clinical question and provides relevant take-home messages.
Additionally every chapter includes an IFA commentary referencing the latest literature and
evidence. The book begins with an introductory chapter that provides definitions and
terminology followed by four sections. The first section covers the fundamentals of
intravenous fluid therapy including fluid compartments in sick patients fluid bolus dynamics
heart-lung interactions fluid challenge fluid responsiveness arterial blood gas analysis
based on traditional and Stewart concepts and electrolyte physiology relevant to clinical
issues. The second section discusses commercially available intravenous fluids while the third
section focuses on fluid therapy in specific clinical situations. The final section introduces
the concepts of fluid stewardship and appropriate fluid prescription.Aligned with the
International Fluid Academy's mission to enhance education and promote research on fluid
management and monitoring ultimately improving patient survival rates this book contributes
significantly to establishing fluid stewardship at the bedside. It provides valuable support
for physicians nurses pharmacists and other healthcare professionals across various clinical
disciplines working in emergency rooms operating rooms or intensive care units aiding their
everyday clinical practice.
