Easy Way to Detect a Fluid Imbalance

Fluid imbalance in the body can be caused by many diseases and conditions and is sometimes difficult to detect since the symptoms are often subtle and mimic those of the actual disease. Fluid can be imbalanced in two different ways: too much fluid or too little. Follow these steps to help determine if you or someone else might have a fluid imbalance.

Things You'll Need

• Journal, charting paper or electronic spreadsheet
• Pen
• Scale
• Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure tool)
• Watch
• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Start a chart or journal on paper or on a computer spreadsheet in order to track symptoms. Make columns for the items you will track in order to determine an imbalance of fluids: fluid input and output, weight, blood pressure, breathing patterns, pulse, skin/face aspect, mouth aspect, temperature and other observations. Make rows that will be labeled with the time of each observation.

• 2

  Record all fluid input including all hot and cold beverages, soups and IV fluids. Record the amount and time. Record fluid output including time and quantity, if possible. There should be regular fluid output following fluid input, and not enough can signal fluid depletion. Too much fluid output can indicate fluid overload.

• 3

  Record weight. Weight gain can indicate fluid overload and weight loss can indicate fluid depletion.

• 4

  Record blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be an indicator of fluid depletion, while high blood pressure can be an indication of fluid overload.

• 5

  Observe breathing patterns and record them. Record if they are rapid, shallow or accompanied by a cough, which are all indicators of fluid imbalance.

• 6

  Check the pulse to see if it is rapid by placing your index and middle finger on the person's wrists, and counting the beats per minute using a watch. Record it on the chart.

• 7

  Observe the face and skin. Record if it seems excessively dry, sunken around the eyes or swollen and puffy.

• 8

  Observe the lips, tongue and saliva in the mouth. Record if the lips are dry and if the tongue is moist or dry. Record the aspect of the saliva if it is thick or frothy.

• 9

  Take the temperature with a thermometer and record it on the chart. A rise in temperature can accompany fluid depletion.

• 10

  Take these measurements and make these observations every few hours. If you suspect fluid depletion, try to hydrate the person while continually recording any observations and get immediate medical attention. If you suspect fluid retention, discontinue any IV fluids and get medical attention immediately.