Final answer:
To avoid over-hydrating a patient after cardiac surgery, medical professionals use precise volumes of isotonic saline or a combination of saline and sodium lactate intravenously, tailored to the patient's specific needs and clinical situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent over-hydrating a patient after cardiac surgery, medical professionals often administer fluids intravenously in precise amounts to balance the patient’s fluid levels. The types of fluids used may include isotonic saline or a mixture of saline and sodium lactate, depending on the electrolytes and other clinical factors. It's critical to limit fluids rich in sodium and to be cautious of the saturation of infused fluids to avoid complications related to fluid overload. Additionally, the medical team takes care to review key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, including fluid management, which may be influenced by factors such as the use of controlled hypothermia during surgery.