Nestehoitona

Nestehoitona is a Finnish term that describes the administration of treatment by fluids. In medical practice it refers to fluid therapy delivered as intravenous infusion or as oral/enteral hydration. The goal is to restore or maintain circulating volume, correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, support medication administration, and, when needed, provide nutrition.

Intravenous infusion involves placing a venous access device and delivering fluids at a controlled rate, either continuously or as a bolus. Enteral or oral hydration uses rehydration solutions or other fluids when the patient can drink. In some settings, fluid therapy is combined with nutrition or medication through the same route.

Indications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, perioperative fluid management, shock prevention, and support in intensive care or palliative care. Common intravenous fluids are isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl), Ringer's lactate, and balanced crystalloids; dextrose-containing solutions are used when sugar provision is needed. For longer-term support, parenteral nutrition may be given with fluids.

Monitoring includes intake and output, vital signs, and laboratory tests (electrolytes, kidney function). Risks include infection at the catheter site, phlebitis, thrombosis, fluid overload, edema, electrolyte disturbances. Fluid therapy must be tailored to the individual's cardiac, renal, and pulmonary status; excessive fluids can worsen conditions.

Nestehoitona is a general term used in Finnish healthcare to describe fluid-based treatment; the specific protocols vary by country and care setting.