ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relevant aspects of fluid and electrolyte balance to enable the nurse to anticipate problems, to assess the adequacy of renal function, and subsequently to plan the management of infants in neonatal care. Fluid intake is usually calculated on the infant’s birth weight, until that weight is exceeded, unless weight gain is thought to be due to fluid retention and/or oedema. Urine production begins with the process of glomerular filtration. As the blood flows through the afferent arteriole into the glomerulus, non-selective filtration occurs, in which fluid and solutes pass through the capillary membrane into Bowman’s capsule. The structural and functional development of the kidney is responsible for a significant impact on postnatal adaptation to extrauterine life. Insensible water loss is the evaporation of water though mucous membranes and the skin. Greater water permeability occurs for infants who are low birth weight and premature due to higher skin permeability and a higher surface to body weight r.
