Question

What should be included in the nursing assessment of a patient with an actual or potential fluid and electrolyte imbalance?

Answer 1

The nursing assessment of a patient with an actual or potential fluid and electrolyte imbalnce:

Human body is full of fluids inside (intracellular fluid) and outside (exctracellular fluid). Intracellular fluid accounts for one half to two third of body weight. These fluids have water and dissolved proteins, other solutes which act as electrolytes having vital role in body functioning. Imbalance of fluids is a condition when the amount of fluids is in excess (hypervolemia) or low (dehydration or hypovolemia). These imbalances can occur through illness, certain medications or due alter in body systems.

Nursing assessments for care plans:

1. Check for hypervolemia or hypovolemia
2. Potassium imbalance assessment include hyperkalemia or hypokalemia
3. Sodium imbalance assessment such as hypernatremia or hyponatremia
4. Magnesium imbalance assessment such as hypermagnesemia or hypomagnesemia
5. Calcium imbalance assessment such as hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia