The document discusses water and electrolyte balance, which is important for homeostasis. The kidney plays a key role in maintaining circulating volume, osmolality, and electrolyte balance. Fluid volume and electrolyte composition can change pre, intra, and postoperatively due to factors like trauma or sepsis. Total body water is about 60% of body weight, with two thirds being intracellular fluid and one third extracellular fluid including plasma and interstitial fluid. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and proteins. Precise fluid management is important during the pre, intra, and postoperative periods.