Maintenance Fluid

The maintenance fluid meets ongoing basal needs for water and electrolytes as described earlier. The onset of surgical stimulation and, to a smaller extent, onset of anesthesia elicit changes in catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone. These tend to reduce insulin secretion or impede its glucose-lowering effect, leading to hyperglycemia. If dextrose-containing solutions are infused at the usual 5% concentration at the rates often required during surgery, severe hyperglycemia will result. The fluid used for volume maintenance should not contain dextrose.