Fluid and electrolyte overload in critically ill patients: An overview

Figure 2 A monocompartimental model of intravascular 0. 9% saline infusion, simulating the extracellular volume modification. To the initial distribution volume (Vd) = 36 L (approximately 60% of body mass of 60 kg), the total AMMOUNT of Cl^- and Na⁺ were 3420 and 5040 mEq respectively. The infusion of 4000 mL of 0.9% saline results in additional 616 mEq of Cl^- and Na⁺ to the total QUANTITY of extracellular electrolytes, that is, 4036 and 5656 mEq of Cl^- and Na⁺ respectively. The new total AMMOUNT of electrolytes are distributed in a new Vd of 40 (36 + 4) liters, resulting in the new concentrations, where the chloride elevation was more striking than the sodium elevation.