Summary of Guidance (Max

This quality standard covers the assessment and management of adults ' intravenous (IV) fluid needs in hospital. Many adult hospital inpatients need IV fluid therapy to prevent or correct problems with their fluid and/or electrolyte status. Errors in prescribing IV fluids and electrolytes are particularly likely in emergency departments, acute admission units, and general medical and surgical wards rather than in operating theatres and critical care units. Standards of recording and monitoring IV fluid and electrolyte therapy may also be poor in these settings. Helpful to review these NICE guidelines with CG32 (Nutrition) and CG 169 (Acute Kidney Injury) Statement 1. Hospitals should have an intravenous (IV) fluids lead who has overall responsibility for developing the protocols, training, clinical governance, audit and review of IV fluid prescribing, and patient outcomes. They can be supported by a multi-disciplinary team to include dietetics, pharmacists and clinical biochemists. Statement 2. Adults receiving IV fluid therapy in hospital are cared for by healthcare professionals competent in assessing patients ' fluid and electrolyte needs, prescribin