title: A modified balance chart -- ordering and charting intravenous fluids by "B numbers".
abstract: Most difficulties with intravenous fluid charting are due to the inability to identify which bottle/bag on the balance sheet corresponds to the bottle/bag on the order sheet. These can be eliminated by allocating every bottle/bag a number in sequence and charting intravenous fluids in START and FINISH columns against a time scale. Accumulation of the Running Total minimises arithmetical errors as only two numbers are added together on any one occasion. A definitive balance form and order sheet, printed on both sides of a single sheet of A4 paper illustrates the "B Number" method with a reasonably complicated example of fluid balance.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008499:Medical Records; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance