Should we add potassium to the mentainance fluids (which is saline only) when treating TBI or not? And when should we add glucose to the fluids ?
Hossam Elgnainy Selected answer as best February 16, 2024
Hypovolemic shock should be treated using isotonic solutions (eg, isotonic saline) with a goal of attaining a state of normal, rather than excess, circulating volume. Excess intravascular volume may exacerbate the development of cerebral edema. Hypotonic fluids, such as D5W, should be avoided because they deliver too much free water, which may exacerbate cerebral edema and cellular destruction.
Mentainance fluid should contain at least Na, K and glucose from day one, however, you should not administer hypotonic preparation.
Hossam Elgnainy Selected answer as best February 16, 2024