Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
ADMINISTRATION OF INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS TO A CHILD
Administration of prescribed IV fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Purpose
- Maintain hydration
- Correct fluid deficits
- Provide electrolytes
- Support circulation
Indications
- Dehydration
- Inability to tolerate oral fluids
- Post-operative care
- Shock
- Electrolyte imbalances
Equipment
- Prescribed IV fluids
- IV pump
- IV tubing
- Alcohol swabs
- Gloves
- Infusion checklist
Preparation
- Calculate flow rate
- Verify order
- Prepare equipment
- Explain to family
Procedure steps
- Verify fluid order
- Check IV site
- Prime tubing
- Connect to IV line
- Set infusion rate
- Monitor infusion
- Assess patient response
- Document administration
Precautions
- Verify calculations
- Monitor for overload
- Check compatibility
- Use infusion pump
Aftercare
- Monitor intake/output
- Assess hydration status
- Check electrolyte levels
- Document response
Nursing considerations
- Calculate based on weight
- Monitor closely in infants
- Adjust for clinical condition
Patient education
- Explain purpose of fluids
- Discuss duration
- Teach signs of problems
Documentation
- Fluid type and volume
- Rate of infusion
- Site condition
- Patient tolerance
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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