Fluids and electrolytes are some of the most important components of the human body. The electrolytes encompass minerals in an individual`s body which contain an electric charge. Mostly, these elements are found in the urine, blood, tissues and other body fluids ( Walker, 2016 ). They play a significant role in balancing the amount of water present in a person`s body. They also ascertain that a balance in the body`s PH level is maintained. Also, they move nutrients across and out of an individual`s body. Moreover, they ascertain that the heart, brain and other organs are functioning normally.
An electrolyte imbalance is, therefore, experienced when the electrolytes in a person`s body are too high, or low. This mainly occurs in a situation where the quantity of water in one`s body changes. Water consumed should be equivalent to the one that has been lost. An upset is in this case likely to result in an imbalance, for instance, when the one has too little water (dehydration) or too much water (overhydration) ( Bak & Tsiami, 2016 ).
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An instance of electrolyte imbalance on a patient may occur where they have a water deficiency in their body. This is likely to result in dehydration, kidney stone or other related complication. Nurses are expected to check undertake blood tests in order to determine whether an electrolyte is highly or lowly concentrated. After a diagnosis has been made, the treatment is administered via the mouth or an injection ( Johnson, 1995 ). In this case, the patient should take between 1/1/2-2 liters of fluids on a daily basis. Also, it would be worthy to note that taking too much water is more desirable compared to taking less water. This is due to the fact that excretion of excess water from the body occurs more easily compared to conservation of water in a person`s body. Water is absorbed by the body from the digestive tract. Additional water is further obtained from metabolizing specific nutrients.
References
Bak, A., & Tsiami, A. A. (2016). Review on mechanisms, importance of homeostasis and fluid imbalances in the elderly. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science , 4 (S3), 1-7.
Johnson, C. E. (1995). Effects of fluid imbalances. Neurosciences in Medicine. New York, NY: JB Lippincott Company .
Walker, M. D. (2016). Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Interpretation and Assessment. Journal of Infusion Nursing , 39 (6), 382-386.
