👉 Patient fluid refers to the total amount of water and other solutes in a patient's body fluids, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis, supporting physiological functions, and ensuring proper cellular operations. It includes plasma, interstitial fluid, intracellular fluid, and various bodily fluids like urine, saliva, and sweat. Accurate assessment of patient fluid status is crucial in clinical settings to diagnose and manage conditions such as dehydration, edema, or electrolyte imbalances. Clinicians use various methods, including clinical examination, laboratory tests (like BUN and creatinine levels), and fluid balance calculations, to evaluate and monitor a patient's fluid status effectively.
