Intensive care nurses' self-reported practice of intravenous fluid bolus therapy

Abstract

Objective: To describe self-reported practice of fluid bolus therapy by intensive care nurses. Research methodology: Multi-choice questionnaire of intensive care nurses conducted in July, 2014. Setting: Major university tertiary referral centre. Findings: 141 (64%) intensive care nurses responded. The majority of respondents identified 4% albumin as the commonest fluid bolus type and stated a fluid bolus was 250. ml; however fluid bolus volume varied from 100. ml to 1000. ml. Hypotension was identified as the primary physiological trigger for a fluid bolus. In the hour following a fluid bolus for hypotension almost half of respondents expected an 'increase in mean arterial pressure of 0-10. ..