Assessment and Care of patients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Hospitalized patients are at an increased risk of electrolyte imbalance meaning simply they are more susceptible to changes in their electrolyte levels that could potentially compromise their health. Electrolytes are a vital part of normal body function. The electrolytes help maintain electrical neutrality in cells. Likewise, they help to generate and conduct
action potentials in the body’s nerves and muscles. When these levels are abnormal patients may experience abnormal bodily functions and at times these abnormalities can cause life-threatening situations. Several factors can contribute to electrolyte abnormalities. Some of the potential causes include: Hyperkalemia – serum potassium level > 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L) Hypokalemia – serum potassium level < 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L) 1. Auscultate heart sounds. 2. Assess cardiac
rhythm. 3. Assess vital signs routinely. 4. Assess mental status. 5. Monitor intake and output. 6. Assess respiratory status and auscultate breath sounds. 7. Assess laboratory values. 8. Assess patient’s overall medical history. 9. Assess
pain level. Nursing Interventions for Risk for Electrolyte Imbalance1. Weigh patient daily. 2. Administer pain medication as appropriate. 3. Provide intravenous or oral hydration as needed. 4. Supplement electrolyte levels as appropriate and as
ordered by the healthcare provider. 5. Administer oxygen as needed. 6. Educate patient and family on signs and
symptoms of electrolyte abnormalities. 7. Educate patient and family member on the importance of balanced nutritional state and importance of hydration. 8.
Educate patient and family members on the importance of taking medications as prescribed and what their specific medications are used for. References and Sources
Published on November 21, 2021 Tabitha Cumpian, MSN, RN Tabitha Cumpian is a registered nurse with a passion for education. She completed her BSN at Edgewood College Nursing School and her MSN with an emphasis in Nursing Education at Herzing University. She has a vast clinical background from years of traveling the United States providing nursing care. The majority of her time has been spent in cardiovascular care. She loves educating others in her field, as well as, patients and their family members through healthcare writing. How would you assess patient with fluid and electrolyte imbalance?The following are laboratory studies useful in diagnosing fluid and electrolyte imbalances:. BUN. BUN may be decreased in FVE due to plasma dilution.. Hematocrit. Hematocrit levels in FVD are greater than normal because there is a decreased plasma volume.. Physical examination. ... . Serum electrolyte levels. ... . ECG. ... . ABG analysis.. What are the priority nursing assessments for monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance?Focused assessments such as trends in weight, 24-hour intake and output, vital signs, pulses, lung sounds, skin, and mental status are used to determine fluid balance, electrolyte, and acid-base status. Accurate daily weights can provide important clues to fluid balance.
What are the methods of assessing fluid balance?The typical methods are by fluid balance record, by daily weights, and by clinical examiantion.. Accuracy depends on accuracy or recording.. Usually, cumulative balance records are inaccurate and tend to disagree with body weight measurements.. What are the nursing responsibilities in giving and electrolyte replacement?Physicians are responsible for giving orders to correct the electrolyte imbalances. Nurses are responsible for assessing intake and output (I&O), daily weights, and vital signs, and they also assess for signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalances.
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