General Question for the Week of March 25, 2024

Question:

What are some examples of documentation indications for a medically necessary fluid replacement for hydration therapy?

Answer:

Documentation for the assessment of the patient should describe symptoms warranting hydration such as those associated with dehydration, the inability to ingest fluids, abnormal fluid loss, abnormal vital signs and/or abnormal laboratory test results such as an elevated BUN, changes in creatinine value, glucose shifts or lactic acid. It should be noted that nausea itself does not necessarily indicate fluid volume depletion nor does it support the necessity of fluid repletion.

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