Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital

During IV fluid therapy

If you need IV fluid, all the details about the IV fluid prescription (what fluid you need for the next 24 hours and how it is to be given), together with what assessments you need to have should be detailed in the IV fluid management plan in your medical record.

While you are having IV fluid therapy you should be monitored regularly. This may include examinations to assess how much fluid you need, checking your urine output, pulse, blood pressure and weight, and taking blood and urine samples for testing. This monitoring should happen more often if you are seriously ill, and less often if you are stable or on longer-term IV fluid therapy.

You (or your family or carer) may notice symptoms you have that could mean you are getting too little or too much fluid. Look at the list of symptoms and talk with your healthcare team if you notice any of these or have any other concerns. Written information should be available, and your family or carer should also be involved in the discussions as appropriate.

NICE has said that healthcare teams should try to give IV fluid during the day if possible to promote sleep and wellbeing, but if you are very ill you may need IV fluid overnight as well.

If you are moved to a different ward or hospital department, your fluid needs should be checked and reassessed when you arrive in the new location.