Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes Part 1

This Notes on Fluids and Electrolytes (1) focus primarily on the assessment of a fluid and electrolyte imbalance, interventions, and evaluating the expected outcomes. Fluids and electrolytes constitute a content area that is sometimes complex and difficult to understand. The nurse must understand cell functions and properties and the concepts related to body fluids as outlined in this chapter. It focuses on the common fluid and electrolyte disturbances. As you review this content, focus on the Pyramid Points related to the causes, assessment findings, and related treatments. In any fluid or electrolyte imbalance, nursing interventions include monitoring significant laboratory results and monitoring the client's cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, renal, and central nervous system status. Integrated Processes addressed in this chapter are Caring, Communication and Documentation, Nursing Process, and Teaching/Learning.

Important Terms

calcium
A mineral element needed for the process of bone formation, coagulation of blood, excitation of cardiac and skeletal muscle, maintenance of muscle tone, conduction of neuromuscular impulses, and the synthesis and regulation of the endocrine and exocrine glands. The normal adult level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL.

fluid volume deficit
Dehydration in which the fluid intake of the body is not sufficient to meet the fluid needs of the body.

fluid volume excess
Fluid intake or fluid retention that exceeds the fluid needs of the body. Also called overhydration or fluid overload.

homeostasis
The tendency of biological systems to maintain relatively constant conditions in the internal environment while continuously interacting with and adjusting to changes originating within or outside the system.

hypercalcemia
A serum calcium level that exceeds 10.0 mg/dL.

hyperkalemia
A serum potassium level that exceeds 5.1 mEq/L.

hypermagnesemia
A serum magnesium level that exceeds 2.6 mg/dL.

hypernatremia
A serum sodium level that exceeds 145 mEq/L.

hyperphosphatemia
A serum phosphorus level that exceeds 4.5 mg/dL.

hypocalcemia
A serum calcium level less than 8.6 mg/dL.

hypokalemia
A serum potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L.

hypomagnesemia
A serum magnesium level less than 1.6 mg/dL.

hyponatremia
A serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L.

hypophosphatemia
A serum phosphorus level less than 2.7 mg/dL.

magnesium
Concentrated in the bone, cartilage, and within the cell itself; required for the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a source of energy. It is necessary for the action of numerous enzyme systems such as carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and contraction of muscular tissue. It
also regulates neuromuscular activity and the clotting mechanism. The normal adult level is 1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL.

potassium
A principle electrolyte of intracellular fluid and the primary buffer within the cell itself. It is needed for nerve conduction, muscle function, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure. Along with calcium and magnesium, it controls

sodium
An abundant electrolyte that maintains osmotic pressure and acid-base balance and transmits nerve impulses. The normal adult level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.