Electrolyte tablet supplements as emergency therapy?

M

Mikey7065

Full Registered User
I was recently made privy to a company's internal medic discussion (via mass-forwarded emails) regarding the electrolyte supplement tablets that we all stock in our infirmaries. The discussion seemed to focus on how the company's protocols indicate the tablets' use in the heat prostrated/dehydrated patient. I was not able to inquire of anyone except the person who showed me the emails, but he and I are under the impression that when a patient is suffering acute debilitating dehydration or heat exhaustion, the use of these supplements is neither timely nor indicated due to potential complications from FBAO and aspiration. Would anyone care to comment? Am I too rigid and narrow-minded? Thanks for all input, positive or negative.
 
You´re being exactly as rigid as you should. In a patient with ANY type of cerebral affection from dehydration, you have to be very sure about their ability to take orally administered drugs, especially fluid ones.
From my POV get an IV in, start rehydrating ASAP, cool the patient off, and then start thinking about oral rehydration when they start to come to.

Remember prolonged heat exhaustion must have their electrolyte balance SLOWLY readsjusted, especially in regards to natrium. If corrected to promptly, they may develop brain oedema

Mike
MD
 
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