IV Fluid Rate for 14kg Pediatric Patient
For a 14kg child, the maintenance IV fluid rate is 52 mL/hour using the standard 4-2-1 rule (also known as the Holliday-Segar method).
Calculation Method
The calculation follows this stepwise approach:
- First 10 kg: 4 mL/kg/hour = 40 mL/hour 1
- Second 10 kg (or remaining 4 kg in this case): 2 mL/kg/hour = 8 mL/hour 1
- Total rate: 40 + 8 = 52 mL/hour 1
Important Clinical Considerations
Fluid Composition
- Isotonic balanced solutions with approximately 4 mmol/L potassium are recommended for maintenance IV fluids in pediatric patients 2
- Glucose provision (4-10%) should be included with potassium supplementation, guided by at least daily blood glucose monitoring 2
Monitoring Requirements
- Serum potassium levels should be measured at minimum daily during continuous IV maintenance fluid therapy 2
- Glucose, sodium, and potassium levels require careful monitoring during continuous infusion 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not use adult dosing formulas for pediatric patients, as children require individualized dosing based on age, size, and organ maturity 4
- Avoid hyperglycemia above 145 mg/dL in pediatric patients, as this is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 3
- Monitor peripheral IV sites closely when administering continuous infusions, though infiltration rates are low (2%) in monitored settings 5
- Ensure appropriate electrolyte supplementation is added to continuous infusions to prevent electrolyte imbalances 3