If urine output is above 50 mL/hour, by what percentage should the IV fluid rate be adjusted?

• A. Decrease IV fluid rate by 25%
• B. Increase IV fluid rate by 25%
• C. Decrease IV fluid rate by 10%
• D. Increase IV fluid rate by 50%

Answer: (A)

When urine output is adequately high, the kidneys are clearing fluids effectively, signaling that you’re approaching euvolemia. In this situation you don’t need to maintain the full maintenance rate; you want to prevent fluid overload while still providing necessary support. Reducing the IV fluid rate by about one quarter accomplishes that balance: it lowers overall fluid input enough to match the patient’s current excretion without risking under-resuscitation if other factors demand ongoing perfusion.

Increasing the rate would push toward fluid overload, and cutting it by a smaller amount may not prevent accumulation if urine output remains high. Keep monitoring urine output, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and signs of edema, and adjust as the patient’s fluid status evolves.