FLUID

Fluid Compartments of the Body

1. Intracellular fluid (ICF) makes up 40% of the body's water content and is found inside the cells.
2. Extracellular fluid (ECF) makes up 20% of the body's water content and is divided into plasma and interstitial fluid.
3. Plasma accounts for 5% of the body's water content and is the fluid portion of the blood.
4. Interstitial fluid accounts for 15% of the body's water content and surrounds the cells.

Indications of Fluid Replacement

1. Hemorrhage or significant blood loss.
2. Burns covering more than 10% of the body surface area.
3. Severe vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration.
4. High fever or hyperthermia.
5. Intraoperative blood loss during surgery.

Methods of Estimation and Replacement of Fluid and Electrolyte in the Surgical Patient

Estimation of Fluid Loss

1. Calculate the patient's weight in kilograms.
2. Estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by the injury.
3. Use the Parkland formula to calculate the volume of fluid needed: 4 mL/kg/%BSA × weight in kg.
4. Administer half of the calculated volume in the first 8 hours and the remaining half in the next 16 hours.

Fluid Replacement

1. Use crystalloids as the first line of fluid replacement.
2. Use colloids (albumin, hetastarch) when crystalloids are insufficient.
3. Use blood products (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma) for significant blood loss.

Electrolyte Replacement

1. Monitor electrolyte levels regularly.
2. Use oral supplements for mild electrolyte imbalances.
3. Use intravenous supplements for severe electrolyte imbalances.

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach

indications

1. Dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting.
2. Burns covering more than 10% of the body surface area.

Medicines

1. Arsenic album 6c: for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
2. Causticum 6c: for burns and scalds.
3. China officinalis 6c: for shock and collapse.
4. Ferrum phos 6c: for hemorrhage and blood loss.
5. Kali mur 6c: for fluid imbalance and edema.

Dosage

1. Administer 1-2 doses of 20-30 drops of the medicine in water.
2. Repeat the dose every 2-3 hours as needed.

Precautions

1. Use homoeopathic medicines under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
2. Monitor the patient's response to the medicine and adjust the dosage accordingly.
3. Do not use homoeopathic medicines as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.