Tag: Maintenance fluid

Affecting 15% to 30% of hospitalized children and adults, hyponatremia is a serious electrolyte complication linked to historical fluid management. Understanding **what is the rule of 4 maintenance fluid**, also known as the 4-2-1 rule, is crucial for grasping both foundational and modern approaches to intravenous therapy.

Medical guidelines rely on weight and clinical condition to determine IV fluid rates, emphasizing careful calculation. For a stable adult, a common rule offers a systematic method for calculating how much IV fluid per hour is appropriate for maintenance, though rates are highly variable based on patient-specific needs.