There are five problem schemas presented in this article that indicate potential contradictions in therapeutic goals: (1) shock and edema presenting upon premature birth; (2) the hyperosmolar state, problematic in patients less than 750 g birth weight; (3) the respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure, often complicated by patent ductus arteriosus; (4) bronchopulmonary dysplasia, resulting from prematurity and mechanical ventilation; and (5) late onset of hyponatremia, sometimes accompanied by growth failure in the recovering premature. These five problems considered together comprise a developmental continuum of illness and recovery, where appropriate fluid management has recently been demonstrated to benefit outcomes greatly. Clinicians over the past decade have encountered all of the fluid and electrolyte nightmares. Although there are many different formulations for treating each of these scenarios, recommending one approach for all patients is likely to be incorrect much of the time.