Fluid and electrolyte balance is a dynamic process that is crucial for life and homeostasis. Show
HomeostasisHomeostasis is the dynamic process in which the body maintains balance by constantly adjusting to internal and external stimuli. Negative and Positive Feedback
Systems Involved in Feedback The major systems involved in feedback are the nervous and endocrine systems.
Body FluidsFluids make up a large portion of the body, which is approximately 50%-60% of the total body weight. Location of Fluids
Fluid Regulation Mechanisms
Normal Intake and Output
Overhydration and Edema
Dehydration
ElectrolytesAn electrolyte is a substance that will disassociate into ions when dissolved in water.
Fluid and Electrolyte TransportTotal electrolyte concentration affects the body’s fluid balance.
Permeability of Membranes
Passive Transport
Active Transport
Fluid and Electrolyte BalanceFluid and electrolyte balance is vital for proper functioning of all body systems.
Acid-Base BalanceAcid-base balance is another important aspect of homeostasis. Acid, Bases, and Salts
Potential of Hydrogen
Buffers
ClassificationThere are different fluid volume disturbances that may affect an individual.
Disturbances in electrolyte balances are common in clinical practice and must be corrected.
PathophysiologyNurses need an understanding of the pathophysiology of fluid and electrolyte balance to anticipate, identify, and respond to possible imbalances.
CausesCauses of fluid and electrolyte imbalances are discussed below in general.
Clinical ManifestationsSigns and symptoms that occur in fluid and electrolyte imbalances are discussed below.
ComplicationsFluid and electrolyte imbalances could result in complications if not treated promptly.
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsThe following are laboratory studies useful in diagnosing fluid and electrolyte imbalances:
Medical ManagementTreatment of fluid and volume imbalances needs accuracy to avoid consequences that can result in complications.
Pharmacologic therapy
Nursing ManagementNurses may use effective teaching and communication skills to help prevent and treat various fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Nursing AssessmentClose monitoring should be done for patients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
DiagnosisThe following diagnoses are found in patients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Nursing Care Planning & GoalsMain Article: 10 Fluid And Electrolyte Imbalances Nursing Care Plans Planning and goals for fluid and electrolyte imbalances include:
Nursing InterventionsThere are specific nursing interventions for fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can aid in alleviating the patient’s condition.
EvaluationEvaluation of the care plan can check the effectiveness of the treatments. The interventions are deemed effective if the client has:
Discharge and Home Care GuidelinesAfter hospitalization, treatment and maintenance of the condition must continue at home.
Documentation GuidelinesData should be documented for future medical and legal references. The nurse must document:
Practice Quiz: Fluids and ElectrolytesHere’s a 10-item quiz about the study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. ECF is primarily composed of: A. Aqueous fluid and lymphatic fluid. 2. A chemical set up to resist changes, particularly in the level of pH, is: A. A base. 3. Water moves across a semipermeable membrane via which process? A. Active transport. 4. To balance water output, an average adult must have daily fluid intake of approximately: A. 500-900 ml. 5. The primary organs involved in pH regulation are: A. Kidneys and lungs. 6. A clinical manifestation not found in hypokalemia is: A. Muscle weakness 7. The nurse should expect that a patient with mild fluid volume excess would be prescribed a diuretic that blocks sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, such as: A. Bumex 8. Nursing intervention for a patient with a diagnosis of hyponatremia includes all of the following except: A. Assessing for symptoms of nausea and malaise. 9. To supplement a diet with foods rich in potassium, the nurse should recommend the addition of: A. Fruits such as bananas and apricots 10. The most characteristic manifestation of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia is: A. Anorexia and nausea. Answers and Rationale 1. Answer: C. Interstitial and intravascular fluids.
2. Answer: B. A buffer.
3. Answer: D. Osmosis.
4. Answer: C. 2,000-3,000 ml.
5. Answer: A. Kidneys and lungs.
6. Answer: B. Oliguria
7. Answer: D. Lasix
8. Answer: B. Encouraging the intake of low-sodium liquids such as coffee or tea.
9. Answer: A. Fruits such as bananas and apricots
10. Answer: D. Tetany
See AlsoRelated posts:
[sc name=”Affiliate_MedicalSurgical”] How is fluid balance monitored?Capillary refill time (CRT) is a good measure of the fluid present in the intravascular fluid volume (Large, 2005). It is measured by holding the patient's hand at heart level and pressing on the pad of their middle finger for five seconds.
What regulates fluid balance in the body?Body fluids are mainly water and electrolytes, and the three main organs that regulate fluid balance are the brain, the adrenal glands and the kidneys (Tortora and Grabowski, 2002).
What body systems work together to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?Normal Fluid and Electrolyte Physiology
A variety of key electrolytes are dissolved in body fluids to maintain organ function and fluid balance. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the kidneys and the endocrine system (pituitary-thyroid-adrenals) orchestrate precise FEB.
What mechanisms are monitored to maintain the appropriate fluid balance in the body quizlet?One way the body works to maintain fluid balance is via the thirst mechanism. This mechanism stimulates the desire to drink fluids in response to changes in blood volume, blood pressure, and concentration of sodium in the blood. Fluids are regularly lost through urine, feces, sweat, evaporation, and exhalation.
|