Update on fluid therapy in the critical patient resuscitation process

Abstract

The administration of fluids for the resuscitation of the seriously ill patient in intensive care units is one of the most frequent interventions. Up to 40% of the time it is the nursing team that makes the decision to administer a fluid bolus to a critically ill patient according to established protocols. Therefore we perform a review in this paper of the current status of fluid therapy and its use in this type of patient. In order to optimize the knowledge and the treatment administered to this type of patient, we also describe the different types of fluids currently used and possible adverse effects that may develop after their administration.

Keywords: Critical care; Cuidados intensivos; Enfermería; Fluid therapy; Fluidoterapia; Nursing.