Teaching Fluids and Electrolytes...

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 11, 2003

Oh PLEASE include IV fluid usages. How it is know that a certain IV fluid should be used.

ex NS is used for....

Lactated Ringer's is used for...

I learned what i learned about it on here.

colleen10 · Dec 11, 2003

I just finished my first semester and our last section was on Electrolytes and Fluids. Ugh!

I take my class via internet so we did not have class instruction on the topic, but it seemed that our exams were really focused around the signs and symptoms of Hyper or Hypo situations with electrolytes. I think it would have been easier for me to remember what to look for if I had an instructor that could have given me examples of personal experiences.

ie. I once had a patient who was an alcoholic that had decreased K+ and Mg+. This patient demonstrated DT's due to low Mg, etc. etc. etc.

I also agree about the IV Solutions too.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 11, 2003

Thanxx!!! PLEASE, please, keep the suggestions rolling on in:cool:

LydiaGreen · Dec 11, 2003

Fluids & Electrolytes certainly do not get the attention that they deserve in nursing school. I will be graduating in May. Spent last summer doing two of the prep guides (Canadian) and found that consistently, Fluids and Electrolytes was an area that I scored the worst. Very sad. I purchased Fluids & Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy and now I actually understand! The great thing about this book is that it gives easy ways to remember things. As an instructor, it may give you some great ideas on how to peak the class' interest and help them remember the information. This book did absolute wonders for me!

And, I must say... I think that you will be an excellent instructor because you are already seeking ways to improve your teaching and therefore the students' learning. As a student, I thank you on behalf of your students.

Agnus · Dec 11, 2003

Our school required students to have Fluids and Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy. And It made incredible sense that they did this. It's the best printed material I have see on the subject.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 11, 2003

i was gonna suggest the INCREDIBLY EASY book as well. It's brilliant. And makes sense to students!

Have them read this one...and read it yourself, if you have not already, Vicky!

GOOD LUCK!!! you will do great.

colleen10 · Dec 11, 2003

I have a month off until next semester and was considering getting the Electrolytes Made Easy book, but after hearing your responses I am definately going to pick it up.

I did well on the Electrolyte Exam but I just don't feel like I know/understand everything that I need to, and I have heard that there are a lot of indepth Electrolyte and Fluid questions on the NCLEX-RN.

I think part of the problem I ran into when learning about the subject from my Nrsg. Fundamentals book was that the book did not go into detail on why an increase or decrease of an electrolyte would cause a person to be hypotensive, muscle tetany, confusion, etc. It just basically stated that, for example, if you are Hypernatremic you may have confusion, muscle cramping, etc. They just expected us to "memorize" what the conditions cause, not understand the process or the "why".

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 11, 2003

I did well on the Electrolyte Exam but I just don't feel like I know/understand everything that I need to, and I have heard that there are a lot of indepth Electrolyte and Fluid questions on the NCLEX-RN. I think part of the problem I ran into when learning about the subject from my Nrsg. Fundamentals book was that the book did not go into detail on why an increase or decrease of an electrolyte would cause a person to be hypotensive, muscle tetany, confusion, etc. It just basically stated that, for example, if you are Hypernatremic you may have confusion, muscle cramping,etc. They just expected us to "memorize" what the conditions cause, not understand the process or the "why".

A GOOD understanding of F & E is FUNDAMENTAL to understanding any and every pathophysiologic process you will encounter in nursing. It is hands down the MOST DIFFICULT SUBJECT TAUGHT in nursing school. Since it is so fundamental, a good foundation in F & E is critical before taking the NCLEX. Thanks for the suggestion on the Incredibly Easy Series. I will order a copy. Have a copy on hand of "Real World Survival Guide Series: Fluids and Electrolytes" and Springhouse Series "Fluid and Electrolytes." (The latter is a nice, thin, concise little book.) Will let you know what I think of these.