Nursing Management of Fluids and Electrolytes

A sudden weight gain or loss

To actively move sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell

Oncotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted by proteins, primarily albumin

Osmotic diuresis

Third spacing is the accumulation of fluid in areas with minimal fluid, and it can cause relative hypovolemia in extreme cases

2.2 pounds

The three elements for assessing fluid balance are: fluid intake, fluid output, and fluid balance.

The primary function of body fluids is to maintain homeostasis and regulate various bodily functions.

Understanding fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for nurses to anticipate, identify, and respond to possible imbalances.

Factors that influence the amount of body fluid content include age, sex, weight, and climate.

The clinical manifestations of fluid volume imbalance include edema, hypotension, and tachycardia.

Homeostatic mechanisms, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance by regulating fluid intake and output.

Nursing interventions for managing fluid volume imbalance include fluid restriction, diuretic therapy, and monitoring of fluid intake and output.

Effective communication is essential for managing fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances, as it facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals and ensures prompt intervention.

The normal serum sodium level is 135 mEq/L, and the condition called when it falls below this level is Hyponatremia.

Sodium determines the osmolality of ECF, and its deficiency (hyponatremia) results in a low serum osmolality.

The risk factors for hyponatremia due to loss of sodium are gastrointestinal fluid loss, sweating, and use of diuretics.

The term for hyponatremia caused by an increase in the ratio of water to sodium is Dilutional Hyponatremia or water intoxication.

The clinical manifestations of hyponatremia include poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, decreased saliva production, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, abdominal cramps, anorexia, headache, neurological changes, and altered mental status.

The syndrome characterized by excessive ADH activity with water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia is the Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH).

The laboratory findings in a patient with hyponatremia include a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L and a serum osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg.

The nursing interventions for a patient at risk for hyponatremia include carefully monitoring fluid losses and gains, measuring intake and output, and noting the patient's thirst or elevated temperature, as well as changes in behavior.

Regulating ECF volume and distribution, maintaining blood volume.

A doctor can recommend the proper amount of fluid intake based on an individual's health history.

135-145 mEq/L

Skeletal and smooth muscle function, forming bones and teeth, and blood clotting.

Positively charged ions are referred to as cations, while negatively charged ions are referred to as anions.

3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Regulating muscle contractions and transmitting nerve impulses.

Electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, such as regulating ECF volume and distribution, transmitting nerve impulses, and regulating cardiac impulse transmission.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

It causes a secondary depression of serum calcium levels

Calcitonin reduces serum calcium concentration, whereas PTH increases it

Greater than or equal to 8.5 mg/dL

Osteoporosis

Tetany

It can lead to a decrease in serum calcium levels

Vitamin D deficiency or malabsorption