Q. Fluids requirement during congestive cardiac failure?

Fluids: Fluid intake should be monitored in accordance with urine output and severity of oedema. Fluid restriction is more important if the patient is not receiving diuretics. Patients on diuretics may consume normal amounts of fluids i.e. around 1.5 litres per day. Tile fluid allowance for patients not being prescribed diuretics can be estimated by any of the two methods given herewith:

Using the formula:

Fluid = urine output + 500ml + losses of fluids due

Allowance (previous 24hrs) (basal losses) to diarrhoea vomiting if any

Weighing the patient everyday to find out gain in weight due to fluid retention and hence restricting the requisite amount (if required).