Abstract
Desk-top microcomputers programmed to calculate the daily fluid and nutritional requirements of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units are being used with increasing frequency. We would like to report our experience with a relatively inexpensive, small, battery powered, handheld programmable calculator: the Hewlett-Packard 41 CV (HP-41CV). This calculator has an Alpha-numeric display, is simple to program and does not require prior knowledge of computer language. The small size and portability of the HP-41CV allows it to be carried during rounds with the calculations made at the bedside.
The main program allows the physician to evaluate fluid balance and caloric intake for the previous day and project values, depending on any changes planned for the following day.
An additional program designed to individualize total parenteral nutrition orders with special features of automatic calculations for glucose infusion rate (mg/kg/min) and maximum allowance for amino acids based on total calories to be expended has been very useful. Similar advantages with microcomputers include rapid execution and elimination of errors in mathematical computations. We feel that the use of this calculator is an excellent alternative if cost and portability are considered.
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Contreras, E., Lohla, E., Bustamante, J. et al. 770 USE OF A HANDHELD PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR FOR FLUID AND NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT IN THE INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY. Pediatr Res 19, 239 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00800
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00800