What complication may occur if the IV fluids from the shock phase are continued during the diuretic phase?

Continuing IV fluids from the shock phase during the diuretic phase can lead to pulmonary edema. In the shock phase, patients typically require aggressive fluid resuscitation to restore circulating volume and improve tissue perfusion. However, once the patient transitions into the diuretic phase, typically characterized by the kidneys starting to function and removing excess fluid, the body begins to excrete fluids more effectively.

If IV fluids are continued during this diuretic phase without appropriate adjustment, it can overwhelm the patient's ability to excrete those fluids. This can result in an increased volume of blood in circulation, leading to fluid overload. When there is too much fluid in the body, it can accumulate in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema — a condition where fluid enters the air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and causing respiratory distress.

Understanding the dynamics of fluid balance in critical care settings is essential, as it highlights the importance of adjusting fluid therapy based on the patient's current physiological status. This is why assessing the patient's fluid needs and carefully managing IV fluids during the diuretic phase is crucial to prevent complications such as pulmonary edema.