title: Selecting and managing fluid therapy. Colloids versus crystalloids.
abstract: The critical care nurse is responsible for monitoring the effects of parenteral therapy. If the nurse is to collaborate with the physician on the type of solution appropriate for the patient, it is imperative that the nurse understand how the solution will impact the patient. Only through comprehending the effects and properties of each solution can the nurse provide quality care and ensure desirable patient outcomes.
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D000077324:Crystalloid Solutions; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance