Question:
What is the difference between oral hydration and intravenous hydration therapy?
Answer:
Oral hydration is the replacement of fluid and is intended to prevent and treat dehydration, especially from diarrhea. It involves the patient drinking water that contains modest amounts of sugar and salts. Intravenous hydration therapy is defined as an IV infusion of pre-packaged fluid and electrolytes. Hydration therapy refers strictly to the medically indicated replacement of fluids when patients are unable to adequately replenish fluids on their own (orally). It should be supported by a corresponding diagnosis of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or hypovolemia. Under some circumstances, hydration therapy is medically indicated to
prevent nephrotoxicity.