The chloride-water balance sheet; an aid in the management of difficult fluid balance problems.

In cases in which there is massive loss of fluids or electrolytes or prolonged decreased urinary output, an absolutely accurate knowledge of all water and chloride intake and output by all routes is necessary to avert large and often fatal errors in water and electrolyte therapy based on estimates made from nurses' notes alone. By use of the Scribner water-chloride balance sheet method of recording data, it is possible to determine with the necessary accuracy how much fluid and what kind of electrolytes to administer to achieve and maintain balance. The method is simple and can be put into effect in any hospital with the cooperation of an educated nursing and laboratory staff.