In: Anatomy and Physiology
Ans:
Fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for health. Many factors, such as illness, injury, surgery, and treatments, can disrupt a patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Even a patient with a minor illness is at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Fluid Balance: When water intake equals water loss, the body is in fluid balance. It is the concept of homeostasis. When water loss is greater than intake, or vice versa, a fluid imbalance may result. The main functions of fluid includes:
Electrolyte Balance: Electrolytes are a major component of body fluids that play important roles in maintaining chemical balance and the balance of the electrolytes in our bodies is essential for normal function of our cells and our organs. There are six major electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, and magnesium. The main functions of electrolytes includes:
Regulation of fluid and Electrolyte Balance:
Renal regulation is the primary organs for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance. Selective reabsorption of water and electrolytes also takes place via kidney sites. Renal tubules are sites of action of anti-diuretic hormone and aldosterone. There are three hormones that play key roles in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance: (1) Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), released from the posterior pituitary; (2) Aldosterone, secreted from the adrenal cortex; and (3) Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), produced by the heart.