Fluid resuscitation in acutely injured patients.

Injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease and cancer. The success of resuscitation after an acute injury is dependent on providing adequate oxygenation, restoring intravascular fluid volume, and maintaining optimum cardiac output and cellular perfusion. Fluid resuscitation is essential to the successful management of hemorrhagic shock; it involves obtaining venous access, administration of the appropriate type and amount of fluid and blood products, and ongoing monitoring of the patient. There are special considerations in fluid resuscitation for the pediatric and burn patient. Care of the trauma patient is a dynamic process and requires ongoing evaluation of clinical parameters. Fluid resuscitation is a central component in the overall management of the trauma patient.