What is 'Free water's effect?

[SUIN]

I am working in PICU.

Sometimes, we provide to child 'free water' after enteral feeding via L-tube.

In case of, a patient nursed by me is provied free water because of hydration.

His Urine output was poor.

I dont know free water's mecanism and another effect.

[SouthpawRN]

You have to figure in their IV fluid intake as well and calculate their required maintenance fluid requirement per day. Non Fluid restricted patients can have more that required too. Best way to keep constipation at bay.

[BedsideNurse]

As the others said, free water is given to meet help meet fluid requirements. Also, free water boluses are sometimes given in effort to decrease a too high Na+ level.