Perioperative fluid management.

Technological advances have changed how traditional surgical procedures are performed. New knowledge and surgical skills are required to effectively monitor the patient and manage fluids administered perioperatively. Today, selective fluids are used in a variety of surgical specialties. Complications of fluid therapy can occur that are intrinsic to each procedure within a specialty. This article provides perioperative nurses with the information needed to evaluate different fluid media and their applications and identify patient care considerations. Possible complications and important postanesthesia care concerns also are discussed.