Iv maintenance fluid calculator how to#

The intracellular and extracellular compartments are separated by specialized membranes that are semipermeable to allow water to equilibrate across the membrane according to the osmotic-pressure gradient. The fluid in the transcellular compartment is produced by specialized cells responsible for cerebrospinal fluid, gastrointestinal fluid, bile, glandular secretions, respiratory sections, and synovial fluids.1 The intravascular compartment contains the fluid, mostly plasma, that is within the blood vessels. The interstitial compartment contains three-quarters of all the fluid in the extracellular space.

It is divided into three subcompartments-interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular.1 The intracellular compartment consists of the largest volume of fluid, about two-thirds of total body water (approximately 40% of body weight).1 The extracellular space, which constitutes about one-third of the total body water, contains the fluid that is not in the cells.

Iv maintenance fluid calculator how to#

This article provides an overview of how fluid is normally distributed in the body, what types of fluids can be given to correct any fluid imbalances, and how to calculate the volume of fluid needed for each dehydrated patient.Īn adult animal's body weight is composed of about 60% water, which is distributed throughout the intracellular and extracellular compartments. But before the fluids can be administered, the veterinarian must decide what fluids to provide and at what rate.

Hey there! We've got an updated version of this article available here.Īs discussed in ' Fluid therapy in small animals: The technician's role,' technicians are a vital part of making sure intravenous (IV) fluids are administered correctly in dehydrated patients.