NURS 2003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Water–Electrolyte Imbalance, Orthostatic Hypotension, Diabetes Insipidus
3 Feb 2018
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Document Summary
Electrolytes are charged ions dissolved in body fluids. Cations are positively charged, and anions are negatively charged. Electrolytes are distributed between intracellular (icf) and extracellular (ecf) fluid compartments. The distribution of ions differs in icf and ecf. The difference in concentration of electrolytes in the icf and ecf maintains cell excitability and allows for the transmission of nerve impulses. Body fluids should be electrically neutral; the negative and positive ions in the body are equal in number. When dissolved in water or another solvent, electrolytes separate into ions and conduct either a positive (cations) or negative (anions) electrical current. Healthy people can develop an imbalance of electrolytes from an imbalance of intake and output. Ill and older adult clients are at higher risk of electrolyte imbalance. Although lab tests can accurately reflect the electrolyte concentration in plasma, it is not possible to directly measure electrolyte concentrations within the cells.
