Intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital

During IV fluid therapy

Your healthcare team should explain to you and your family or carers about why you need IV fluids, what will happen, what fluids are needed and for how long. This information should be added to your medical notes.

While you are having IV fluids, your healthcare team should monitor you regularly and record all the information on the chart in your medical notes. They will check to make sure you are getting the right type and right amount of fluid. Your healthcare team will need to know about how often you are going to the toilet and how much urine you are passing, check your weight, and will usually take blood and urine tests. You will be monitored carefully to make sure you are getting the right amount of fluid (not too much and not too little) and that the balance of water, sugar and salt is correct.

Getting the balance of fluids right is important. Your healthcare team will look for any signs that could mean you not getting enough fluid, or that you are getting too much fluid, or symptoms that could mean the balance of fluids needs changing.

If you notice any of these signs or if you are worried at all, talk with your healthcare team. Written information, for example information leaflets, should also be available for you and your family or carers.