Fluid and electrolyte balance within the body is essential for maintaining health and proper functioning of all body systems. Imbalances can occur when fluid intake exceeds output, leading to fluid volume excess, or when output exceeds intake, resulting in fluid volume deficit. Precise regulation mechanisms aim to keep fluid and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride within their normal ranges to support cellular and organ function. Nursing care involves assessing for risk factors, monitoring for signs of imbalance, and treating underlying causes through fluid management, diet, and medication.
2. Fluid and electrolyte with in the body are
necessary to maintain health and function
in all body system.
INTRODUCTION
3. • Water is the primary content of our body. It accounts for
about 50-60% of body weight in the adult. Water content
varies with body mass, gender and age. In people with
over 65 years of age body water may decrease up to 45-50
% of total body weight.
Water Contents Of The Body
4. Body fluids Distribution
• Intracellular fluid(ICF) 40% body weight
• Extracellular fluid(ECF) 20% body weight
• Interstitial fluid - 15% body weight
• Plasma -5% body weight
5. MOVEMENT OF BODY FLUIDS
• Fluids and electrolyte constantly shift from
compartment to compartment to facilitate
body processes such as tissue
oxygenation, acid base balance and urine
formation
Mechanisms controlling fluid
& electrolyte movement
• Diffusion
• Facilitateddiffusion
• Active transport (SodiumPotassiumPump)
• Osmosis
7. OSMOSIS
Osmotic Movement of Fluids
Movement of water from low
solute to high through a semipermeable
membrane until concentration gradient
is equal
8. Fluid Movement in Capillaries
As plasma flows through the capillary bed,
four factors determine if fluid moves out of the
capillary and into the interstitial space or if fluid
moves back into the capillary from the interstitial
space.
9. Water balance is the result of
interaction of thirst & ADH to
maintain a stable plasma tonicity
(OP)
The sensation of thirst promotes
water intake
ADH regulates urinary water
excretion.
REGULATION OF WATER BALANCE
10. REGULATION OF WATER INTAKE AND OUTPUT
The volume of water gained each
day varies among individuals
averaging about 2,500 milliliters
daily for an adult.
60% from drinking
30% from moist foods
10% as a bi-product of oxidative
metabolism of Nutrients called
water of metabolism
Water Output Water normally enters the
body only through the mouth, but it can be
lost by a variety of routes including:
Urine (60% loss)
(6% loss) (sensible perspiration)
(6% loss) Evaporation from the skin
(insensible perspiration)
Evaporation from the skin and the
lungs is a 28% loss)
16. Age
Illness
Injury or blood loss
Gender
Renal function
Gastro intestinal function
3rd space loss (Burns)
Activity level
Level of consciousness
Body temperature
Stress
Factors Affecting Fluid Imbalance
17. • Fluid Intake is less than Fluid Output:
• Hypovolemia —water and electrolyte losses
about equal
• Clinical Dehydration—more water lost than
electrolytes
• Fluid volume deficit + hypernatremia
Hypovolemia
or Dehydration
FLUID VOLUME DEFICIT (FVD)
18. Causes of FVD
Prolonged fever
GI Losses: Watery diarrhea, Vomiting,
drainage from tubes
Loss of plasma or whole blood: Burns,
Hemorrhage, Traumas, Surgery
Excessive sweating
Renal failure
Hyperglycemia
Inability to drink or express thirst
(confused)
Concentrated tube feedings
Third-space shifts
Use of diuretics
19. Acute weight loss , Decreased skin turgor
Oliguria , Concentrated urine
Postural hypotension , Weak,rapid heart rate
Flattened neck veins , Increased temperature
Decreased central venous pressure , Cramps
Cool, clammy skin related to peripheral vasoconstriction
Thirst Anorexia , Nausea
Lassitude , Muscle weakness
Clinical Manifestations of FVD
23. Nursing
Management
Deficient fluid volume
Risk for imbalanced fluid volume
Readiness for enhanced fluid balance
Currently in balance but have many risk factors
Restore fluid loss
Identify patients at risk
Maintain balance between fluid intake and output
Prevent fluid imbalance
Nursing Diagnosis VS –Vital Signs LOC changes
Safe environment I and O , Daily weights
Lab values Skin turgor and integrity
IV access Urinary catheter
Nursing Management and Diagnosis Of FVD
24. Fluid intake or fluid retention
exceeds the body’s fluid needs
Also called overhydration or
fluid overload
The goal of treatment is to
restore fluid balance, correct
electrolyte imbalances if
present, and eliminate or control
the underlying cause of the
overload
FLUID VOLUME EXCESS (FVE)
25. Compromised regulatory mechanisms:
Renal failure ,Congestive heart failure, Cirrhosis of
liver, Cushing’s syndrome
Corticosteroid administration
Stress condition causing the release of ADH and
aldosterone
Excessive intake of sodium-containing foods.
Drugs that can cause sodium retention
Administration of excess amount of sodium
containing IV fluids.
Pathophysiology of fluid imbalance typically
focuses on hypovolemia
Causes of FVE
26. Increase in total body weight causes weight gain
over a short period of time.
Peripheral edema
Distended neck veins and peripheral lines.
CVP over 11 cm H2O
Crackles and wheezes in lungs
Polyuria
Ascites, pleural effusion
Bounding pulse
Pulmonary edema
Clinical Manifestations of FVE
27. Assessment and Diagnosis Test of FVE
Assessment Health history
Risk factors such as medication, heart failure,
renal diseases etc.
Physical Assessment
Weight, vital signs, peripheral pulses, jugular
venous distention, edema, lung sounds, urine
output and mental status
Diagnosis
Test
Serum osmolality
Urine specific gravity
CVP readings
.
28. Medical Management Of FVE
Fluid Management
Fluid intake should be restricted in clients who have
fluid volume excess.
Dietary Management
Sodium restricted diet is prescribed. e.g. Fruits and
vegetables, low salt breads, unsalted popcorns, fresh
meat .
Nursing Management
Assess the presence or worsening of FVE.
Encourage sodium restrictions
Monitor the clients response to diuretics.
Teach self monitoring of weight
Maintain strict intake output chart
Skin care.
Pharmacological Management
Pharmacological measures to manage fluid Counter
regulatory hormones (e.g. angiotensin II, sympathetic
hormones, vasopressin)
29. Nursing Diagnosis Of FVE
Fluid volume overload related to
decreased cardiac output as evidence
by ejection fraction of 35%,
Edema in lower extremities,
Jugular distention,
Bilateral crackles,
Weight gain, and pleural effusions
noted in lungs bilaterally.
30. Water intoxication:
Water intoxication also known as water poisoning or
dilutional hyponatremia, is a potentially fatal disturbance
in brain functions that results when the normal balance of
electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by
over-hydration.
Third Spacing:
Occurs when fluid accumulates in areas that normally
have no fluid or minimal amount of fluid, such as with
ascites, and edema associated with burns.
31. Electrolytes are substances whose
molecules dissociate, or splits, into ions
when placed in water. Ions are electrically
charged particles
ELECTROLYTE REFERANCE INTERVAL
Anions
Bicarbonate
Chloride
Phosphate
Cations
Potassium
Magnesium
Sodium
22 – 26 mEq/L
96 – 106 mEq/L
2.4 - 4.4 mEq/L
3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
1.5 – 2.5 mEq/L
136 – 145 mEq/L
Electrolyte Distribution in Body Fluid
33. Hyponatremia refers to serum sodium level that is
below normal( less than 135mEq/L)
Sodium Imbalance-Hyponatremia
Causes
Diuretic medications kidney
diseases, adrenal deficiency can
cause excessive sodium excretion in
urine.
Vomiting , diarrhea and GI suction
Administration of repeated tap water
enemas
Excessive sweating
Loss of skin surface in burns
SIADH were water excretion is
impaired
Pathophysiology
Loss of sodium containing fluids
or from excess water
Hypo-osmolality with a shift of
water into the cell
Extracellular expansion or
contraction
34. TYPES
Hypovolemic hypernatremia: sodium
loss is higher than water loss
Euvolemic hypernatremia: sodium
levels are almost normal
Hypervolemic hypernatremia: total
weight gain increases
Redistributive hypernatremia:
Water shifts from the intracellular to
the extracellular compartment, with a
resultant dilution of sodium.
Clinical Manifestations
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Fatigue
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
If sodium falls below 120mEq/L
Headache, altered sensorium,
personality changes
Irritability, tremors, depression
Muscle twitching
Hyponatremia
35. Diagnostic test
A healthy sodium level is between 135 and
145 mmol/l and a person is considered to
be hyponatremic if the level falls to below 135
mmol/l. The hyponatremia is considered severe if
this level falls to below 125 mmol/l.
Management
Increase the intake of food high in sodium.
In mild cases, frequent drinking of water with added
sodium chloride or with isotonic (.9%) saline
solution by IV over 6-12 hours.
In more severe cases, 2-5 liters within 24-48 hours.
If hypernatremia is associated with water
intoxication, restrict water to 500-1000ml in 24
hours.
Administer 3 % saline
Hyponatremia
36. Nursing Diagnosis
Risk for acute confusion related
to electrolyte imbalance
Risk for injury related to altered
sensorium and decreased level
of consciousness
Risk for electrolyte
imbalance related to excessive
loss of sodium and/or excessive
intake or retention of water
Potential complication: severe
neurologic changes
Nursing management
Identify clients with risk for
hyponatremia
Monitor fluid losses and gains
Monitor presence of anorexia,
nausea, vomiting and abdominal
cramping
Check specific gravity of urine
Monitor client with cardiovascular
diseases
Avoid giving large water
supplements to clients receiving
isotonic tube feeding
Use extreme caution when
administering hypertonic saline
solution
Hyponatremia
37. Condition in which the serum sodium level
rises more than 145mEqlL
Sodium Imbalance-Hypernatremia
Causes
Water deprivation in clients who are
unable to respond to thirst due to
altered mental status
Hypertonic tube feeding with inadequate
water supplement
Increased insensible water loss
Excessive ingestion of salt
Excessive parenteral administration of
sodium containing solution.
Profuse sweating
Diabetes insipidus
Excessive water loss with diarrhea
Heat stroke
Pathophysiology
Due to etiological factors
An elevated serum sodium may
occur with water or sodium gain
Hypernatremia causes
hyperosmolarity
Hyperosmolarity causes a shift
of water out of cells
Cellular dehydration
38. CLINICALFEATURES
• Thirst. If it is not relieved
it can alter the neurologic
function
• Restlesness
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Flushed skin
• Disorientation
• Progress into seizures
,coma and death
TYPES OF
HYPERNATREMIA
Hypovolemic hypernatremia(low
volume)
• Inadequate intake of water
,excessive loss of water from urinary
tract, severe watery diarrhea are the
major causes.
Hypervolemic hypernatremia(high
volume)
• Salt poisoning is the major
cause in children
Euvolemic hypernatremia:
• Total body weight decreased
Hypernatremia
40. •Risk for injury related
to altered sensorium and
seizures
•Risk for fluid volume
deficit related to excessive
intake of sodium and/or loss
of water
•Risk for electrolyte
imbalance related to excessive
intake of sodium and/or loss
of water
•Potential complication:
seizures and coma leading to
irreversible brain damage
Nursing
Diagnosis
Hypernatremia
• Measure serum sodium levels
every 6 hrs. or daily
• Identify clients risk for
hypernatremia
• Monitor fluid losses and gains
• If tube feeding is used , give
sufficient water
• Record fluid intake and
output accurately, checking
body fluid loss to prevent
dehydration
Nursing
Management
41. Potassium is the major ICF cations, with 98% of the body potassium being
intracellular. Potassium concentration within muscle cells is approximately
140 mEq/L; potassium concentration in ECF is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Potassium
Functions of Potassium
Disruptions in the dynamic equilibrium between ICF and ECF potassium often
cause clinical problems. Potassium regulates intracellular osmolality and
promotes cellular growth. Potassium is required for glycogen to be deposited in
muscle and liver cells. Potassium also plays a role in acid-base balance .
Sources of Potassium
Diet is the source of potassium. The typical Western diet contains approximately
50 to 100 mEq of potassium daily, mainly from fruits, dried fruits, and vegetables.
Many salt substitutes used in low-sodium diets contain substantial potassium.
42. Hyperkalemia can be classified according to serum potassium level are
Mild (5.5–6.5 mmol/l)
Moderate (6.5–7.5 mmol/l)
Severe (>7.5 mmol/l)
Potassium Imbalance-Hyperkalemia
CAUSES
Impaired renal excretion, untreated
renal failure
Traumatic injuries
Massive intake of potassium
Potassium sparing diuretic therapy
Acid base imbalances
Inadequate urine output
Rapid IV administration of potassium
Pathophysiology
Reduced renal excretion.
Excessive intake or
leakage of potassium
from the intracellular
space.
Acute and chronic renal
failure.
Massive tissue breakdown
as in habdomyolysis.
43. CLINICAL
FEATURES
• ECG changes: Tall
peaked T wave,
depressed ST segment
• Arrhythmias, cardiac
arrest
• Muscle fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Skeletal muscle
weakness and paralysis
• Hyper activity of smooth
muscles, leading to GI
disturbances.
ASSESMENT
• History collection includes
current manifestations,
duration of symptom and
precipitating factors of salt
substitutes and potassium
supplements.
• Assess the apical and
peripheral pulses, muscle
strength, ECG pattern
• Tests serum electrolytes,
RFT, ABG
Hyperkalemia
44. MANAGEMENT
Management of
hyperkalemia mainly focus on returning the
serum potassium and to stabilize the
conducting system of heart.
IV Calcium gluconate, 1amp slow IV over 10
minutes
Insulin: Bolus injection of short acting
insulin; if blood glucose is<250mg/dl, 25 gm
of glucose should also be given
Sodium bicarbonate
Diuretics
Dialysis
Oral potassium binders
Hyperkalemia
45. • Activity intolerance related
to skeletal muscle weakness
• Risk for decreased cardiac
output related to
hyperkalemia
• Risk for ineffective health
maintenance related to
inadequate knowledge of
recommended diet
• Excess fluid volume related to
renal failure
Nursing
Diagnosis
• Check vital signs
• Continuous cardiac
monitoring to identify any
arrhythmias
• Instruct the patient to
avoid food items rich in
potassium like banana,
tomatoes, green leafy
vegetables, apricots,
oranges etc.
• Repeat electrolytes
• Avoid administration of
potassium conserving
diuretics, potassium
supplements
Nursing
Management
Hyperkalemia
46. Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is when blood's potassium levels are too low.
Hypokalemia is generally defined as a serum potassium
level of less than 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L).
CAUSES
Decreased intake of potassium rich food
Vomiting
Renal excreation
Nasogastric suctioning
Adrenal gland secrets excess
aldosterone.
Pathophysiology
Inadequate potassium
intake
Increased potassium
excretion
Shift of potassium from
the extracellular to the
intracellular space.
48. •Administration of inj.
KCl 40mEq/l in iv fluids
•Oral potassium
supplements
•Use potassium sparing
diuretics if diuretic
therapy is going on
•Treat diarrhea or
vomiting
•Discontinue diuretics or
laxatives
Management
•Advice to report any
chest discomfort
•Advice to take more
potassium rich food
like banana, oranges
•Advice to take oral
potassium
supplements properly
•Be aware of clients at
risk of hypokalemia
Nursing
Management
Hypokalemia
49. CALCIUM IMBALANCES
Calcium is necessary for the metabolic process
of bones and teeth . Normal serum level is 8.5-
10mg/dl.
Responsible for contraction, formation of bones etc
For oocyte activation
For myocardial contraction
Vital role in nerve impulse transmission
Major component in blood clotting systems.
ROLES OF CALCIUM
50. Serum calcium levels exceeds 11mg/dl
HYPERCALCEMIA
CAUSES
Over activity of parathyroid
gland
Excessive intake of calcium
supplements
Cancer: lung and breast
cancer increase risk of
hypercalcemia
Hereditary factors
Increased reabsorption of
calcium from bones
Renal failure decreases the
amount of calcium loss
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Fatigue
Weakness
Anorexia ,nausea , vomiting
Irritability
Headache
Abdominal pain and
constipation
Decreased neuromuscular
excitability
51. HYPERCALCEMIA
Nursing Intervention
Monitor clients at risk of
hypercalcemia
Increase client mobilization
Encourage fluid intake
Discourage excessive conception of
milk and products
MANAGEMENT
Restore calcium levels
Treat the underlying cause.
Administer calcitonin
52. Decreased calcium level <8mg/dl
HYPOCALCEMIA
CAUSES
Other electrolyte imbalance
Massive administration of banked blood
Medications like diuretics anticonvulsants
CLINICAL FEATURES
Tetany
Trousseaurs sign: carpel spasm induced by inflating a bp
cuff above systolic pressure for 5 minit's
Chvostek’s sign: contraction of facial muscle in response to
a light tap over the facial nerve in front of the ear.
53. HYPOCALCEMIA
MANAGEMENT
Oral calcium supplements
IV Calcium gluconate
Diet rich in calcium
Nursing Management
Be aware of clients risk for hypocalcemia
Be prepared to take seizure precautions
Safe administration of calcium
supplements
Educate people about osteoporosis
54. Phosphate Imbalance
Phosphate imbalances are seen in
patients with acute kidney injury which alters
kidneys ability to excrete phosphate. Normal
serum level is 2.5-4.5mg/dl.
HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA
Serum phosphate level is <1.2mg/dl
CAUSES
Alcoholism,
Burns
Starvation
Diuretic use
55. CLINICAL FEATURES
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Confusion
Bone pain
HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA
MANAGEMENT
Increase intake of diary products
Phosphate supplements in diet
Treat underline cause
IV phosphate is administered when serum phosphate
is <1mgldL
56. HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA
Plasma phosphate level > 4.5mE/L
CLINICAL
FEATURES
Anorexia, Nausea
Vomiting, Muscle cramps
Pain, Parasthesia
TREATMENT
Limiting high phosphate containing foods like milk and milk
products.
Administer calcium or aluminum products for the execration
of phosphate
57. MAGNESIUM IMBALANCES
Magnesium is an intracellular cation. it’s
required for the ATP of Sodium- Potassium pump.
Serum level is 1.5-2mE/L
HYPERMAGNESEMIA
Serum level above
2.1mEq/l
CAUSES
Women receiving milk of
magnesia
Renal failure
61. CLORIDE IMBALANCES
Hypochloremia Chloride level less
than 95 mEq/L.
The normal adult value for chloride is 97-107
mEq/L.
CAUSES
Loss of body fluids from prolonged
vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers.
Drugs such as: bicarbonate,
corticosteroids, diuretics, and laxatives.
62. .
CLINICAL
FEATURES
dehydration.
weakness or fatigue.
difficulty breathing.
diarrhea or vomiting, caused by fluid loss
HYPOCLOREMIA
MANAGEMENT
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and carbonic anhydrase
inhibitors
• Administer normal saline or half strength saline to
replace chloride.
• Stop diuretics
63. HYPERCLOREMIA
HYPERCLOREMIA
Chloride levels at or
above 110 mEq/L
CAUSES
• Loss of body fluids from prolonged
vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high
fever (dehydration).
• High levels of blood sodium.
• Kidney failure
• Diabetes insipidus
64. HYPERCLOREMIA
• Dehydration - due to diarrhea, vomiting, sweating.
• Hypertension.
• Cardiovascular dysfunction Edema
• Weakness.
• Thirst
CLINICAL FEATURES
MANAGEMENT
Drinking 2–3 quarts of fluid every day
Receiving intravenous fluids
Eating a better, more balanced diet
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin.