Outline the methods available to estimate fluid balance in the critically ill patient and briefly discuss their advantages and limitations. (You may tabulate your answer)
Method |
Advantages |
Limitations |
Clinical – oedema, JVP, |
Simple, easily done by the |
Lack specificity |
Intake–output chart |
Simple method, reasonably |
Labour intensive, |
Body-weight |
May be useful in |
Not routinely used in all |
CVP and PCWP |
Used to predict |
Significant limitations |
EVLW |
Shown to be of value in a |
Invasive technique |
Research methods include |
Research tools, do not lend |
This question is identical to Question 16 from the second paper of 2009.