title: Restricted fluid intake. Rational management of the neurosurgical patient.
abstract: Water balance studies in postcraniotomy patients indicate that restriction of fluid intake to 1 liter daily maintains the patient in homeostatic balance. A larger fluid intake will expand the extracellular space and presumably unfavorably influence cerebral edema. Daily observation of serum sodium and osmolarity and blood urea nitrogen, and preserving their normalcy, is a rational way of regulating fluid intake of the brain-injured patient. Fluid restriction should be used with caution if hyperosmolar agents, diuretics, or dexamethasone are also administered.
mesh_terms: D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D001835:Body Weight; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D009493:Neurosurgery; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011182:Postoperative Care; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone