FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE BALANCE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL AND CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

摘要

The present invention is a computer-based system for tracking a patient's fluid volume, and electrolyte (cation and anion concentration) balances during the period extending from before surgical procedures through the recovery process, which will assist the attending physician in maintaining proper balances in the patient. The system contains automatic sensors (14) for measuring the volumes of fluids administered to and recovered from the patient. The system also preferably contains sensors for measuring electrolyte concentrations in these fluids, and when sensors (14) are not available assists the attending physician in estimating. The system assists the attending physician in creating baseline values for a patient's fluid, electrolyte values, then accounts for the fluids going into and out of the patient to continuously track current values. Out of bounds conditions for these balances, when detected, will cause the system to issue alarms, and make suggestions to the attending physician for remedial action.