What monitoring parameters should I use to evaluate the effectiveness of fluid therapy in a dehydrated patient?

Monitoring parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of fluid therapy in a dehydrated patient include:

• Clinical assessment of hydration status, including pulse, blood pressure, capillary refill, and presence of oedema, to observe improvements in hydration and perfusion (see table 1 in ¹).
• Urine output, to assess renal perfusion and hydration status (see ¹).
• Fluid balance charts, recording input and output hourly, with running totals, and 12-hourly and 24-hourly fluid balance totals (see ¹).
• Weight measurement, ideally twice weekly, to monitor changes in fluid status (see ²).
• Laboratory tests including plasma electrolyte concentrations, urea, creatinine, and blood glucose, measured at least every 24 hours or more frequently if indicated, to assess electrolyte balance and renal function (see ¹, ²).
• Additional laboratory parameters such as venous lactate levels, arterial pH, and base excess in critically ill patients, for ongoing assessment of perfusion and metabolic status (see ²).