FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES Carolyn Frye Shegog PHYSIOLOGY n

FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES Carolyn Frye -Shegog

PHYSIOLOGY n Body fluids n Body compartments n Variations in fluid content n Electrolytes

FUNCTIONS OF BODY FLUID: n n n Provides a medium for transporting nutrients to cells and wastes from cells and for transporting substances such as hormones, enzymes blood plates, and red and white blood cells. Facilitates cellular metabolism and proper cellular chemical functioning Acts as a solvent for electrolytes and non electrolytes

Functions of body fluid con’t n Helps maintain body temperature n Facilitates digestion and promotes elimination n Acts as a tissue lubricant

BODY FLUIDS: n Water as a percent of body weight l Infants = 77% l Adult male=60% l Adult female= 50% l Elderly person =45%

BODY FLUIDS COMPARTMENTS: n Intracellular n Extracellular l Interstitial l intravascular

VARIATIONS IN FLUID CONTENT n Age n Sex n Amount of body fat

ELECTROLYTES n Electrolytes are substances whose molecules dissociate or split into ions when placed in water. Some develop a positive charge, others a negative charge. Ions with a positive charge(+) are cations. Ions with a negative charge(-) are anions.

FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE MOVEMENT: Diffusion n Facilitated diffusion n Active transport n Osmosis n Hydrostatic pressure n Oncotic pressure (reabsorption) “keeping the fluid in” n

FLUID BALANCE: Elevation of venous hydrostatic pressure n Decrease in the plasma oncotic pressure n Elevation of interstitial oncotic pressure

ORGANS OF REGULATION KIDNEYS n LUNGS n HEART n BLOOD VESSELS n PITUITARY n ADRENAL CORTEX n PARATHYROIDS n

ACID BASE BALANCE: n Buffers attempt to bring a body fluid as close as possible to the Ph of normal body fluid n Carbonic Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate system and other buffer systems affect: l l l The kidneys Plasma protein Globins portion of hemoglobin

ASSESSING: n Nursing history n Physical Assessment n Acid-Base imbalances (ABGs)

NURSING DIAGNOSES: n Fluid volume excess n Fluid volume deficit n Risk for fluid volume deficit

PLANNING: Expected Outcomes n Maintain an approximate balance between fluid intake and output n Maintain a urine specific gravity within normal range (1. 010 – 1. 025)

IMPLEMENTING to prevent or correct imbalances include: Dietary modification n Modification of fluid intake n Medication administration n IV therapy n Blood and blood product replacement n Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) n

EVALUATING: n n n Drinking and eating patterns supplying fluid and electrolyte needs Urine output = to fluid intake Color, odor & specific gravity indicate healthy functioning of the kidney Fluid balance wt. I & O Initial signs or symptoms improved Pt’s ability to practice self-care behaviors