Accuracy of Blood and Fluid Loss Estimation in the Adult Patient: A Comparison Among Healthcare Team Members

Authors

Diana Carter, Brigham Young University
James E. Kohl, Brigham Young University

Keywords

adult patient, healthcare team members, blood loss, fluid loss

College

Nursing

Abstract

The ability of registered nurses and healthcare providers to correctly quantify blood and fluid loss is an important factor in providing quality care as it often directs healthcare interventions. Underestimation of blood and fluid loss can lead to delays in treatment and can be detrimental to the patient. Overestimation can lead to needless, wasteful, costly and often times dangerous treatments placing the patient at risk for harm and additional comorbidities. Multiple studies have shown that blood loss is overestimated in small amounts, and underestimated in large amounts. As blood and fluids are lost, the mean arterial pressure may decrease to the point where the patient enters hypovolemic shock (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2012). Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare team members are able to perform accurate estimates of blood and fluid losses.

Recommended Citation

Carter, Diana and Kohl, James E. (2014) "Accuracy of Blood and Fluid Loss Estimation in the Adult Patient: A Comparison Among Healthcare Team Members," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1041.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1041