Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook

7-16

Route By mouth Gastric tubeIntravenous Interosseous Rectal

IndicationDehydration, hemorrhageUnconscious. Avoid in abdominal wounds.Unable to take oral. Need large volumesUnable to obtain IVNo other route available, or no sterile fluids available.

Potential BenetNormal, may use any fluidMay use any fluidsHigh volumesHigh volumesAny fluid

CautionAspiration risk in unconsciousAvoid in abdominal wounds if possibleAspiration risk. Limit infusion rate to 200 hour/hour and check residuals each hour - stop if more than 200 hrUse care in increasing blood pressure for uncontrolled hemorrhageSame as IV, watch for leak into tissuesLimit flow rates to 200 hr per hour

Table 7-2: Routes of Fluid Administration