Fluid & Electrolyte balance signs/symptoms

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I'm having a hard time absorbing all the functions, causes, & s/s for the six electrolytes we are studying Mg, HPO4-,K,Ca, Cl, & Na (Hypos & Hypers of each). Any study/learning tips?

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Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

If you use the search option, I can recall seeing several thread on this exact topic with some really great answers!

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Ok. Thanks for the suggestion! Didn't even think of that! Doh! ;)

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

The BEST Fluid and Electrolyte and Acid Base Balance handbook I have ever used is Fluid And Electrolyte Balance: Nursing Considerations (Fluid and Electrolyte Balance (Metheny)) [ by Norma M. Metheny

You can rent it too! Not only will this help you pass your test it will give you the foundation you need to practice. So many nurses I have met along the way struggle with this topic and its clinical application. I often found myself giving instruction on ABG interpretation,the NA+ and K+ pump and all types of other fluid an electrolyte disturbances. It also will help you understand why certain types of IV fluids and medications are ordered and so much more. It will serve you well to learn it.

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When I did F&E I made charts. They were basically like this (much nicer though):

Hypo Hyper Interactions Nursing considerations

Na

K

Cl

Mg

I would fill in all the signs and symptoms and how they related to other electrolytes (inverse relationships, etc.). They helped quite a bit. Under nursing considerations I listed anything a nurse would be expected to know or do if a patient was having an issue with that electrolyte.

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Okay, I tried a few times, but my lovely chart example would not format anything like I wanted it to. Basically, I just made a chart. :)

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