Fluid calculation tips for dialysis patients following a fluid restriction

Following a dialysis diet fluid restriction is easier if a person has a plan to keep up with the amount of liquids consumed each day. Keeping a running list of fluids consumed is the best way for kidney patients to track fluid intake. These helpful steps will increase awareness of fluids consumed: 1. Start each day by recording the prescribed fluid goal on a piece of paper, in a notebook, on a computer or PDA—a source with easy access throughout the day.

2. Next, record all the planned fluids for the day’s meal plan. These can be checked off as the fluids are consumed.

3. After each meal or snack and before bedtime, check off the planned fluids consumed, and record any unplanned fluids consumed.

4. At the end of the day, total the daily fluid intake and compare it to the daily goal. If exceeded, consider ways to adjust planned fluids the following day.

Fluids may be recorded as a measure of fluid ounces (oz), milliliters (ml) or cubic centimeters (cc). Milliliters and cubic centimeters are equal.

The following conversion table is helpful for measuring daily fluids.