Electrolytes Imbalance Management Protocol for Surgical Patients
Khawla Hospital
Acronyms:
DGKH. | Directorate General Khoula Hospital |
D5W | 5% dextrose in water, intravenous therapy |
ECG | Electrocardiogram |
HDU | High dependency units |
Hr | Hours |
KCL | Potassium chloride |
MgSO4 | Magnesium sulfate |
mEq/l | Milliequivalent per liter |
ml/kg | Milligrams per kilograms, a unit of measure |
mg /dL | Milligrams per deciliter, a unit of measure |
IV | Intravenous |
NPO | Nil by mouth |
PO | Per Oral |
μmol/L | Micromoles per liter, a unit of measure |
1 - Introduction
Electrolyte imbalance is a common challenge faced in admitted patients. Surgical patients are prone to such a complication during their admission. As these patients are kept fasting to undergo surgery and occasionally post-surgery depending on the nature of the procedure. These fasting period in addition to the stress of the surgery, leads to electrolytes imbalance that needs to be corrected to prevent further complications.