Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in Nursing
Care: Assessment, Clinical Judgment,
and Evidence-Based Interventions (Study
Guide 2025/2026)
Fluid Imbalance
Disturbance in body fluid levels affecting health.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Disruption in normal electrolyte concentrations.
Clinical Judgment
Decision-making based on patient assessment and evidence.
Evidence-Based Care
Care practices supported by research and clinical evidence.
Cues Differentiation
Identifying relevant signs in patient assessments.
Prevention Strategies
Plans to avoid fluid and electrolyte issues.
Assessment Data
Information gathered to evaluate fluid status.
Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory tests to assess fluid and electrolyte levels.
Culturally Competent Care
Care tailored to diverse patient backgrounds.
Nursing Process
Systematic approach to patient care management.
Interdisciplinary Team Roles
,Collaborative functions of healthcare professionals.
Community Care Prioritization
Focusing care on community-based patient needs.
Intracellular Fluid
Fluid within cells, vital for cellular functions.
Extracellular Fluid
Fluid outside cells, includes interstitial and plasma.
Osmosis
Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.
Diffusion
Movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Filtration
Movement of fluid through a membrane due to pressure.
Active Transport
Energy-requiring movement of substances against concentration gradient.
Dehydration
Excessive loss of body fluids, leading to deficits.
Fluid Volume Deficit
Reduction in body fluid volume, causing dehydration.
Hypotonic Solution
Lower solute concentration than body fluids.
Hypertonic Solution
Higher solute concentration than body fluids.
Isotonic Solution
Equal solute concentration to body fluids.
Basic Metabolic Panel
, Blood test measuring electrolytes and metabolic functions.
Phosphate (PO4-)
Normal level: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL in serum.
Hypophosphatemia
Severe deficiency increases infection risk.
IV phosphate administration
Administer cautiously in malnourished patients.
Hyperphosphatemia
Monitor for tetany and soft tissue calcification.
Potassium (K+)
Normal level: 3.8-5 mEq/L in serum.
Hypokalemia
Life-threatening; assess for cardiac arrhythmias.
Digoxin interaction
Hypokalemia potentiates digitalis effects.
Hyperkalemia
Life-threatening; monitor for arrhythmias and GI symptoms.
Sodium (Na+)
Normal level: 135-145 mEq/L in serum.
Hyponatremia
Monitor fluid balance and CNS symptoms.
Hypernatremia
Monitor behavior changes and fluid losses.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Normal range: 10-20 mg/100 mL.
Increased BUN causes
Care: Assessment, Clinical Judgment,
and Evidence-Based Interventions (Study
Guide 2025/2026)
Fluid Imbalance
Disturbance in body fluid levels affecting health.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Disruption in normal electrolyte concentrations.
Clinical Judgment
Decision-making based on patient assessment and evidence.
Evidence-Based Care
Care practices supported by research and clinical evidence.
Cues Differentiation
Identifying relevant signs in patient assessments.
Prevention Strategies
Plans to avoid fluid and electrolyte issues.
Assessment Data
Information gathered to evaluate fluid status.
Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory tests to assess fluid and electrolyte levels.
Culturally Competent Care
Care tailored to diverse patient backgrounds.
Nursing Process
Systematic approach to patient care management.
Interdisciplinary Team Roles
,Collaborative functions of healthcare professionals.
Community Care Prioritization
Focusing care on community-based patient needs.
Intracellular Fluid
Fluid within cells, vital for cellular functions.
Extracellular Fluid
Fluid outside cells, includes interstitial and plasma.
Osmosis
Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.
Diffusion
Movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Filtration
Movement of fluid through a membrane due to pressure.
Active Transport
Energy-requiring movement of substances against concentration gradient.
Dehydration
Excessive loss of body fluids, leading to deficits.
Fluid Volume Deficit
Reduction in body fluid volume, causing dehydration.
Hypotonic Solution
Lower solute concentration than body fluids.
Hypertonic Solution
Higher solute concentration than body fluids.
Isotonic Solution
Equal solute concentration to body fluids.
Basic Metabolic Panel
, Blood test measuring electrolytes and metabolic functions.
Phosphate (PO4-)
Normal level: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL in serum.
Hypophosphatemia
Severe deficiency increases infection risk.
IV phosphate administration
Administer cautiously in malnourished patients.
Hyperphosphatemia
Monitor for tetany and soft tissue calcification.
Potassium (K+)
Normal level: 3.8-5 mEq/L in serum.
Hypokalemia
Life-threatening; assess for cardiac arrhythmias.
Digoxin interaction
Hypokalemia potentiates digitalis effects.
Hyperkalemia
Life-threatening; monitor for arrhythmias and GI symptoms.
Sodium (Na+)
Normal level: 135-145 mEq/L in serum.
Hyponatremia
Monitor fluid balance and CNS symptoms.
Hypernatremia
Monitor behavior changes and fluid losses.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Normal range: 10-20 mg/100 mL.
Increased BUN causes
