Maintenance IV Fluid Calculations for Pediatric Patients

Hi friends, in this video I am going show you how to calculate a pediatric patient’s maintenance IV fluid rate based on their weight. I will show you the formula to use for these calculations as well as how this can be visualized—sometimes this is tricky to conceptualize! We’ll finished up with several examples to make sure you are comfortable with these calculations.

00:00 Start Here
00:32 Real Life Applications
01:25 The Formula
01:59 How to Conceptualize
03:28 Example #1
04:25 Example #2
04:55 Example #3

Formula:
100 mL/kg for first 10 kg
50 mL/kg for second 10 kg
20 mL/kg for remainder of the weight

100(____ kg) = _____ mLs
50(____ kg) = _____ mLs
20(____ kg) = _____ mLs

Add above totals together = _____ mLs over 24 hrs

I’m Anna and I am a critical care registered nurse. I have worked in the NICU, PICU, pediatric floor, and on my hospital’s critical care children’s transport service. I am also a nursing instructor and love teaching students and new nurses!


Disclaimer: This video is intended for educational purposes only and is not indented as medical advice. While I strive for 100% accuracy, errors may occur and practices may change over time.