PREENCHIMENTO E INTERPRETAÇÃO DO BALANÇO HÍDRICO EM UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA

The objective was to highlight relevant aspects for completing and interpreting the water balance results in critically ill patients. This is an update article, carried out through the analysis of publications and reflections from the clinical care practice of adult patients in critical care in the intensive care unit. The filling of the water balance is an attribution of the Nursing team, carried out every two hours, with calculation of the partials at each shift and closing every 24 hours. Parenteral and oral fluids are the main pathways for fluids to enter the body, and diuresis, gastrointestinal losses and drainage are the main ways out. The persistently positive result offers the potential for cardiovascular complications and seems to be related to increased morbidity and mortality. The water balance must be balanced and the result analyzed concomitantly with clinical data and laboratory and imaging exams, to guide the implementation of care aimed at patient safety.