Intravenous Fluid Administration: Improving Patient Outcomes With Evidence-based Care

Intravenous (IV) fluid administration is one of the most common interventions in the hospital setting. The associated complication rate is higher than previously believed, with adverse effects impacting recovery, length of stay, cost, patient safety, and survival. Several patient populations are at increased risk, and there are substantial data implicating inappropriate fluid administration as a contributing factor to increased morbidity and mortality. Related complications are largely preventable, and unmet educational needs are well-documented. An increase in evidence-based management has the potential to improve outcomes related to a number of quality indicators.