Need help calculating pediatric maintenance fluids!

Hey everyone, I'm a new nurse in the pediatric ward and I'm having trouble calculating maintenance fluids for my young patients. I know the basics, like using the Holliday-Segar method and accounting for weight, but I'm still feeling unsure. Any tips or resources that can help me out? #pediatrics #childhealthcare #infantcare

Top Replies

Hi @PedsRN, I understand your concern. The Holliday-Segar method is a common way to calculate maintenance fluids in children, and it's based on weight. The formula is 100 mL/kg for the first 10 kg, 50 mL/kg for the next 10 kg, and 20 mL/kg for every kg after that. You can also find many online calculators to help you with the calculation. #pediatricnurse #childhealth

It's great that you're being thorough with your calculations, @PedsRN. Just remember that the maintenance fluid rate may need to be adjusted based on the patient's specific medical condition, such as dehydration, fever, or kidney function. Always consult with a more experienced colleague or a physician when in doubt. #pediatriccare #infanthealth

Also, don't forget to consider the type of fluid and the electrolyte composition when calculating maintenance fluids, @PedsRN. For example, D5W (dextrose 5% in water) is often used for maintenance, but it may need to be adjusted based on the patient's electrolyte levels. It's always a good idea to review the patient's lab results before making a decision. #pediatricnursing #childhealthcare