MD Maintenance Fluid Calculator

Maintenance Fluid Formula:

\[ \text{Fluid} = 4\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{first}\,10\,\text{kg} + 2\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{next}\,10\,\text{kg} + 1\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{remaining weight} \]

Total Daily Fluid:

Fluid Rate:

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1. What is MD Maintenance Fluid Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the appropriate maintenance fluid requirements for patients based on their weight using the Holliday-Segar formula.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals calculate daily fluid needs and infusion rates for patients requiring maintenance IV fluids.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Fluid} = 4\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{first}\,10\,\text{kg} + 2\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{next}\,10\,\text{kg} + 1\, \text{ml/kg} \times \text{remaining weight} \]

Where:

4 ml/kg — For first 10 kg of body weight
2 ml/kg — For next 10 kg (11-20 kg)
1 ml/kg — For each additional kg above 20 kg

Explanation: The total daily fluid is then divided by 24 to get the hourly infusion rate.

3. Importance of Maintenance Fluid Calculation

Details: Proper fluid calculation prevents dehydration or fluid overload, maintains electrolyte balance, and supports normal physiological functions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms. The calculator will show both total daily fluid requirement and hourly infusion rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the Holliday-Segar method?
A: It's a weight-based formula for calculating maintenance fluids in pediatric and adult patients, developed in 1957.

Q2: When should I adjust these calculations?
A: Adjust for fever (add 12% per °C above 38°C), dehydration, renal/cardiac conditions, or specific clinical situations.

Q3: Does this include fluid boluses?
A: No, this is only for maintenance fluids. Boluses for dehydration are calculated separately.

Q4: What about NPO patients?
A: This calculation is often used for NPO (nothing by mouth) patients requiring IV fluids.

Q5: How often should I reassess fluid needs?
A: Reassess at least daily and whenever the patient's clinical condition changes.