Fluid and Electrolytes: What should you know about it

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I'm hearing of the horror stories of the F&E tests from different people. What is really the meat of F&E that pertains to patients or s/s or causes? Thanks!

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Specializes in CVICU.

I don't think there is any way to sum it up, you need to learn each electrolyte and its function in the body. Don't try to simply memorize from a chart learn its physiologic purpose and many of the signs and symptoms make sense. Learn the basic trends that occur between different electrolytes so that you know what to expect (ex - Mg and Ca usually have a direct relationship with eachother). There are also usually some cardinal signs and symptoms for certain lyte imbalances that you must know. Its all about knowing its purpose, making the connections, and thinking it through. It's impossible and extremely boring to memorize without thinking about the science behind it.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

f&e is a broad subject that is broken up and covered over the entire length of nursing school. see the weblinks on post #23 and #24 of this sticky thread: https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/pathophysiology-p-microbiology-145201.html - pathophysiology/ a & p/ microbiology/ fluid & electrolyte resources

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