ABSTRACT
Understanding the principal pathophysiology and factors compromising fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as the essential nursing assessment and management required to prevent further deterioration in a medical emergency can help to improve care outcomes. The chapter focus is on body fluids and electrolytes. The fluid compartments of the body are explained along with an outline of the transport mechanisms of water and solutes and movement between compartments. Mechanisms that help to regulate body fluid balance are discussed, and the nursing assessment of the patient with an acute fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance, using an ABCDE approach, is outlined as well as the nursing management and treatment of a patient with a fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance. The reasons for choosing intravenous fluid therapy based on individual fluid and electrolyte requirements are provided.
