Pediatric Nursing ( Mathematics)

IV Fluid Requirement Calculation In Pediatrics

Pediatric fluid requirements and calculations are entirely different from that for adults. Careful assessment of hydration and fluid calculations has vital important in saving the life of the child. Managing fluids and electrolytes in children is an important skill needed for nurses, who can play an important role in monitoring therapy. Fluid therapy is divided into maintenance, deficit, and replacement requirements. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte therapy is an important role of the pediatric nurse.

Fluid maintenance requirement chart

STEPS

1st 10 Kg                   =     100 mL x Kg
3rd: Additional Kg    =      20 mL x Kg
Daily Requirement    =      Sum of steps 1,2 and 3

Example : Child's weight is 26 Kg

1st 10 Kg                   =     100 mL x Kg  ( 100 x 10 = 1000 mL)
2nd 10 Kg                 =      50 mL x Kg   ( 10 x 50 = 500 mL)
3rd: Additional Kg    =      20 mL x Kg   ( 6 x 20  =  120 mL)
Daily Requirement    =      Sum of steps 1,2 and 3  = ( 1620 mL)
So child's daily fluid requirement is 1620 mL per Day ( 24 Hrs)

To calculate Fluid need per Hour, divide total volume with total hours
ie, 1620 / 24 = 67.5mL / Hour

Converting between Pounds and Kilograms

1lb = 2.2kg
1kg = 0.45 lb.

Formula for converting a patient's weight from Pounds to Kilogram is:

Weight in Pounds / 2.2

Example : 100 /2.2 = 45.5 kg

Converting between Inches and Centimeter

The patients height is usually measured in centimeters ( cm)

Formula for converting inches into centimeters is :

1 Inch = 2.54cm

1 cm   = 0.393701 inches

Example : 66 inches = 167.6cm ( 67 x 2.54 = 167.64, rounded to 167.6 cm)