The British journal of theatre nursing : NATNews : the official journal of the National Association of Theatre Nurses
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The maintenance of body water content is a classic example of homeostasis at work. Water is continuously lost and added to the systems. The regulation of a balance between the factors involved demonstrates the dynamic nature of homeostatic processes. ⋯ The hydration, and electrolyte, needs, will vary between patients so fluid therapies should be individualised. Whilst a patient's fluid balance chart provides a means of assessing water balance, the interpretation is complicated after surgery. An awareness of other signs is therefore essential.