Terms and definitions of fluid therapy

Abstract

The book "Rational Fluid Therapy" aims to provide guidance on the appropriate use of intravenous (IV) fluids, which are often overlooked as medications despite being a cornerstone of patient care. In this introductory chapter, the importance of seeing IV fluids as drugs with indications, contra-indications, and potential adverse effects is emphasized. Inappropriate fluid therapy can have deleterious effects and cause patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the need for careful oversight and guidance is stressed in fluid prescription, as well as the implementation of fluid stewardship and organ function monitoring. Different terms related to fluid therapy, such as fluid overload and hypervolemia, are often used interchangeably despite indicating different clinical situations. Clear definitions are provided for these terms to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations that may lead to inappropriate therapeutic decisions. These definitions will be repeated throughout the book to ensure clarity and consistency.