Fluids and Electrolytes

Body Fluids

Composed of water, electrolytes, blood plasma, cells, proteins, and solutes.

Water Composition

40% to 60% of an average adult's weight is water.

Gender Differences

Females have a higher proportion of body weight as water compared to males.

Infant Water Composition

Infants consist of 75% to 80% water.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Maintained primarily by the kidneys.

ADH

Hormone from the pituitary gland that regulates osmotic pressure by controlling water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Aldosterone

Hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that regulates sodium reabsorption and extracellular fluid volume.

Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Fluid Intake

Average daily intake is 2.2L from food/drink and 0.3L from metabolism.

Insensible Water Loss

Approximately 0.9L/day lost through skin and lungs.

Urine Output

Average urine output is about 1.5L/day.

Fluid Volume Deficit

Occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake; common causes include diarrhea and vomiting.

High-Risk Groups for Fluid Volume Deficit

Older adults, infants, patients with chronic diseases, and those taking diuretics.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults

Thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark urine, and dizziness.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Infants

Crying without tears, no wet diapers for three hours, and sunken eyes.

Fluid Volume Excess

Occurs when there is increased fluid retention in the intravascular compartment.

High-Risk Groups for Fluid Volume Excess

Patients with heart failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis.

Signs of Fluid Volume Excess

Pitting edema, ascites, and dyspnea.

Treatment for Fluid Retention

Sodium and fluid restriction, diuretics, and dietary changes.

Isotonic IV Solutions

Have similar concentrations of dissolved particles as blood; used for fluid volume deficit.

Examples of Isotonic Solutions

0.9% Normal Saline, Lactated Ringer’s Solution, and 5% Dextrose in Water.

Hypotonic IV Solutions

Have lower concentrations of dissolved solutes than blood; used to treat cellular dehydration.

Example of Hypotonic Solution

0.45% NaCl.

Hypertonic IV Solutions

Have higher concentrations of dissolved solutes than blood; used in specific medical situations.

IV Therapy

Administration of fluids, nutrients, electrolytes, and medications.

Drop Chamber

Allows counting of drops per minute for flow rate monitoring.

Roll Valve Clamp

Used to adjust the flow rate of IV fluids.

Access Ports

Used for infusing secondary medications and administering IV push medications.

IV Piggyback

Method of administering medications through an existing IV line.

IV Computation

Involves calculating drip factors for different manufacturers.

Infiltration

Occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue due to catheter displacement.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein, often a complication of IV therapy.

Complications of IV Therapy

Include circulatory overload, air embolism, catheter embolism, and systemic infection.

I&O Sheet

A tool used to track intake and output of fluids in patients.