Fluids and Electrolytes
Advanced Pathophysiology & Health Assessment NUR5703 2011
Pre-course Learning Objectives:
Fluids and Electrolytes: 1. Identify and describe the composition of the fluid compartments within the body
Either Intracellular fluid (ICF- 2/3 of the body’s water) or extracellular fluid (ECF -one third of the body’s water). The two main extracellular fluid compartments are the interstitial fluid and the intravascular fluid, which is the blood plasma. Other ECF compartments include the lymph and the transcellular fluids such as the synovial , intestinal, bilary, hepatic, pancreatic, CSF, sweat, urine, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and intraocular fluids.
2. Discuss the function of the following electrolytes within the body and identify the normal ranges: * Sodium: Na+ 136- 145 mmol/L: sodium is the most abundant ECF ion (cation- positively charged ion)(90%) and is responsible for the osmotic balance of the ECF space by regulating osmotic forces and therefore regulating water balance (interstitial and intravascular fluid volume). Other function include: working with potassium and calcium to maintain neuromuscular irritability for conduction of nerve impulses, regulation of acid-base balance (through sodium bicarbonate and sodium phosphate), participation in cellular chemical reactions and membrane transport. * Potassium: K+ 3.5-5.0 mmol/L: Potassium maintains the osmotic balance of the ICF space. Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte and contributes to many important cellular functions including the transmission of nerve impulses. As the predominant ICF ion, it exerts a major influence in the regulation of ICF osmolality and provides the correct balance for intracellular electrical neutrality in relation to H+ hydrogen and Na+. K+ is required for glycogen deposition in liver and skeletal muscle cells. The significant role of K+ in maintaining the resting membrane potential is reflected in transmission and conduction of nerve
Pre-course Learning Objectives:
Fluids and Electrolytes: 1. Identify and describe the composition of the fluid compartments within the body
Either Intracellular fluid (ICF- 2/3 of the body’s water) or extracellular fluid (ECF -one third of the body’s water). The two main extracellular fluid compartments are the interstitial fluid and the intravascular fluid, which is the blood plasma. Other ECF compartments include the lymph and the transcellular fluids such as the synovial , intestinal, bilary, hepatic, pancreatic, CSF, sweat, urine, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and intraocular fluids.
2. Discuss the function of the following electrolytes within the body and identify the normal ranges: * Sodium: Na+ 136- 145 mmol/L: sodium is the most abundant ECF ion (cation- positively charged ion)(90%) and is responsible for the osmotic balance of the ECF space by regulating osmotic forces and therefore regulating water balance (interstitial and intravascular fluid volume). Other function include: working with potassium and calcium to maintain neuromuscular irritability for conduction of nerve impulses, regulation of acid-base balance (through sodium bicarbonate and sodium phosphate), participation in cellular chemical reactions and membrane transport. * Potassium: K+ 3.5-5.0 mmol/L: Potassium maintains the osmotic balance of the ICF space. Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte and contributes to many important cellular functions including the transmission of nerve impulses. As the predominant ICF ion, it exerts a major influence in the regulation of ICF osmolality and provides the correct balance for intracellular electrical neutrality in relation to H+ hydrogen and Na+. K+ is required for glycogen deposition in liver and skeletal muscle cells. The significant role of K+ in maintaining the resting membrane potential is reflected in transmission and conduction of nerve