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Deficient Fluid Volume - The Patient / Family Education

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Deficient Fluid Volume occurs when water and electrolytes lost in the same proportion as they are in the normal body fluid so that the ratio of serum electrolytes to water remains the same. (Brunner & Suddarth, 2002).

Hypovolemia is a condition due to lack of extracellular fluid volume.
Hypovolemia is depletion of extracellular fluid volume.
Hypovolemia is a lack of fluid in the extracellular parts.

This hypovolemia can occur due to:
  • Decrease input.
  • Abnormal fluid loss through: skin, gastrointestinal, renal abnormalities, etc.
  • Bleeding.
Clinical signs and symptoms that may be obtained on the client with hypovolemia include: dizziness, weakness, fatigue, syncope, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, thirst, mental confusion, constipation, oliguria. Depending on the type of fluid loss, hypovolemia may be accompanied by acid-base imbalance, osmolar or electrolyte. Depletion of extracellular fluid can cause severe hypovolemic shock.

Compensatory mechanisms of the body on the condition of hypovolemia is can include increased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (increase in heart frequency, inotropic (heart contraction) and vascular resistance), thirst, release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and the release of aldosterone. Long hypovolemia conditions can cause acute renal failure.

Further consequence of the lack of fluid volume can result in:
  • Dehydration (mild, moderate, severe).
  • Hypovolemic shock.
  • Seizures in hypertonic dehydration.

Guidance Counseling Patient - Family

Give the patient and significant others, verbal and written instructions about the following:
  • Signs and symptoms of hypovolemia.
  • The importance of maintaining adequate inputs, particularly in young children and the elderly, who are more likely to occur dehydration.
  • Drugs: name, dosage, frequency, vigilance and potential side effects.
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