Fluids for CHF?

[rhan101277]

Our instructor was talking about an example of how to think of things different. He said 99% of paramedics will say no to giving fluid to a CHF patient.

He gave me a new way of thinking of it, CHF patients who are decompensated will be hypovolemic, dehydrated etc. and it will get worse with a lasix dose. He explained the fluid is there just in the wrong place. So give them normal saline.


Now for people who haven't got to the decompensated point I do know. Again this is just an example and this instructors opinion who is a flight medic.

Anyhow just wanted to see if any others have this thought

I am sure he probably has never done this, but it is just his thought.

[ResTech]

I have heard that it is okay to give CHF patients a small fluid bolus if they are hypotensive and showing hemodynamic compromise. Maryland protocol indicates a 250mL bolus for CHF in these situations.

I have yet to start cardiology (will next week) but it makes sense. I'm interested in hearing others thoughts as well.

[Katie]

one of our instructors said a similar thing. if your pt is hypovolemic/dehydrated and as ResTech said "showing hemodynamic compromise," then they need fluids. but their respiratory status has to be monitored closely for obvious reasons. really with any pt it's important to make sure they're not fluid overloaded, but with the CHF pt it's even more critical and a lot easier to do.

[Akulahawk]

So what if the patient has CHF? If the patient happens to be decompensating because they're too hypovolemic, you treat them for the hypovolemia, but you have to modify the fluid administration to small boluses and watch for the effects. You just don't want to drive them to fluid overload. Then Lasix is appropriate...

The problem is that many times these patients start off with the "tank" being a little dry to begin with. If they go too dry... but the question is: what are you treating the patient for? Their history of CHF? Or for the signs and symptoms of what they're presenting with now? with an eye towards their history?

[MrBrown]

I'd give a small bolus (~250 to 500ml) to a patient in cardiogenic shock provided they don't have any serious crackles or hard out SOB. If they became SOB / developed crackles I'd stop the fluid.

[Ridryder911]

One of the best scenario is a severe rectal bleeding (shocky state) with the patient also in severe CHF. I have had this unique call, and alike described one has to treat shock to maintain cellular functions. Now, with this comes responsibility to ensure fluids and respiratory compromise is closely monitored but in most cases a 250 ml bolus. Just alike those with a GI bleed or trauma in which CHF may be produced from; I may give Lasix in between administration of blood products. Many fail to remember that blood as well increases volume.

R/r 911

[rhan101277]

Originally Posted by Ridryder911

One of the best scenario is a severe rectal bleeding (shocky state) with the patient also in severe CHF. I have had this unique call, and alike described one has to treat shock to maintain cellular functions. Now, with this comes responsibility to ensure fluids and respiratory compromise is closely monitored but in most cases a 250 ml bolus. Just alike those with a GI bleed or trauma in which CHF may be produced from; I may give Lasix in between administration of blood products. Many fail to remember that blood as well increases volume.

R/r 911

How do you give a 250ml bolus if you only have 500ml fluid pouches? Do you simply titrate? Maybe just use a smaller gauge catheter. Hmm I got a long way to go.

[vquintessence]

Originally Posted by rhan101277

How do you give a 250ml bolus if you only have 500ml fluid pouches? Do you simply titrate? Maybe just use a smaller gauge catheter. Hmm I got a long way to go.

The gauge of the catheter simply dictates the rate at which you're able to infuse. A 14ga will be able to infuse much faster than a 24ga. The gauges (and locations of insertion sites) we choose are determined by what procedure is intended.

Regarding IV fluid sizes, yes you can infuse 250cc from a 500cc bag. As long ast the container is larger than the intended purpose, it'll work.

Infusion rates all depend on situation and purpose. Do they need it now for hemodynamic instability? Then ideally get a 18ga+ and let it flow wide open. Just go to KVO or whatever rate is required once your 250 bolus is achieved. You've already addressed PMHx of CHF and other complicating factors dictating your vigilence of careful/continous lung auscultation along with your clinical judgement on how fast you truly want that bolus administered.

On the other hand, are you transporting a burn pt to another facility? Then they'll need fluids over a longer period, so yes, titrate to appropriate rate. (Some say the Parkland Formula is outdated, but it's worth looking at) Anyways, chances are they've recieved plenty already if it's an IFT, but you still want to give an almost continous basis (initially). Think of it like this: You can drink 1L of water in the course of a day, and probably be sufficiently hydrated and only urinate a few times. OR you can drink that 1L in twenty minutes, and piss most of it out, and possibly hurting yourself in the process.

Look up hyponatreamia. It's vaguely related but pretty fascinating.

[marineman]

Originally Posted by rhan101277

How do you give a 250ml bolus if you only have 500ml fluid pouches? Do you simply titrate? Maybe just use a smaller gauge catheter. Hmm I got a long way to go.

I have 2 options for that, first option is to watch the bag. All bags (that I've seen) have measurements on them so you can tell where you are. Once it get's down to 250 bring it down to KVO, this requires more operator input but all you have to do is pay attention to your patient which is what you should be doing anyway. My other option is to set up a pump to run a 250 bolus then switch to KVO. This doesn't require you to watch as much, just make sure the pump is operating correctly but takes a little bit longer to initiate. Most medics on my service don't like to use pumps on 911 calls but it's a tool that is there for us to use, I will use any tool I can to provide better patient care.

Personally with CHF patients I will run a 100cc bolus then reassess, then run an additional bolus if indicated by patient condition. Nothing wrong with doing 250 at a time as those with much more experience than me are comfortable with it but I'm a little gun shy there.

[mikie]

Can someone explain KVO? Is it the same as TKO? (not total knock out ) Is that different than "wide open?" Thanks