The patient is admitted to the SICU, sometimes on a respirator, with a radial artery catheter, a CVP catheter, a foley catheter, and a nasogastric tube in place. Vital signs, CVP, and urine output are measured hourly for the first 3-7 days. ECG is monitored continuously. Abdominal girth is measured 3 times daily.
Body weight is measured daily.
Fluid intake and output are monitored with precision for 4-10 days. Cardiac output is determined on postoperative days 1 and 3. CBC, platelet count, PT, INR, PTT, routine LFT, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, BUN, creatinine, blood sugar, arterial pH, blood gases, and arterial NH3 are obtained daily for 4-10 days. Chest xrays are obtained every 1-3 days, depending on the presence of pulmonary problems. Crystalloid fluid therapy .