Fluid Volume Deficit Nursing Care Plan: 2 Sample Plans and Interventions

Fluid volume deficit happens when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, from vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, fever, or poor intake. It can lead to low blood pressure, kidney injury, and shock. Your priorities are replacing fluids, tracking intake and output, and treating the cause.

A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation

Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).

CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Deficient Fluid Volume

Related to

Vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding
Poor oral intake
Fever and increased fluid loss

As evidenced by

Tachycardia and low BP
Dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor
Dark, concentrated urine and low output
Weight loss and high BUN

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Urine output of at least 30 mL/hr within 8 hours
Heart rate and BP move toward baseline

Long-term goals

Client maintains fluid balance with moist mucous membranes and stable weight

ASSESSMENT

Strict intake and output
Daily weight
Vital signs, including orthostatic BP
BUN, creatinine, sodium, and urine specific gravity

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Give IV fluids as ordered	IV fluids replace volume quickly when the client cannot drink enough.
Offer oral fluids often in small amounts	Small sips are easier to keep down and add up over time.
Give antiemetics or antidiarrheals as ordered	Stopping the losses keeps the deficit from getting worse.
Report urine output below 30 mL/hr	Low output can be an early sign of kidney injury.

EVALUATION

Urine output meets the goal and is lighter in color
Vital signs are back near baseline
Mucous membranes are moist

CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Risk for Injury

Risk factors

Orthostatic hypotension and dizziness
Confusion from dehydration
Weakness

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client remains free of falls and injury while fluids are replaced

Long-term goals

Client recognizes early dehydration signs and stays free of injury at home

ASSESSMENT

Mental status every shift
Orthostatic vital signs
Fall risk score

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Use fall precautions and assist with ambulation	Low volume can cause dizziness when standing.
Teach slow position changes	This gives BP time to adjust.
Teach early signs of dehydration like thirst, dark urine, and dizziness	Early fluids at home can prevent another admission.

EVALUATION

Client has no falls
Client is alert and oriented
Client lists signs of dehydration

Practice this in Everyday RN

Manage a full med-surg shift that includes a dehydrated client on IV fluids.

Play Everyday RN

Quick answers

Which finding best shows fluid replacement is working?

Urine output of at least 30 mL/hr, along with a heart rate and BP returning toward baseline.

Who is at highest risk for fluid volume deficit?

Older adults and young children, because they have less fluid reserve and may not sense or express thirst.

For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.