Restricted fluid intake

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Abstract
Water balance studies in postcraniotomy patients indicated that restriction of fluid intake to 1 liter daily maintained the patient in homeostatic balance. A larger fluid intake will expand the extracellular space and presumably unfavorably influence cerebral edema. Daily observation of serum Na+ and osmolarity and blood urea nitrogen, and preserving their normalcy, is a rational way of regulating fluid intake of the brain-injured patient. Fluid restriction should be used with caution if hyperosmolar agents, diuretics or dexamethasone are also administered.