HPRO 3250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Water–Electrolyte Imbalance, Convulsion, Hyperkalemia
16 Jan 2013
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Document Summary
Our body fluid consists of water plus a variety of dissolved substances, including electrically charged minerals called electrolytes. Water serves many important functions in our bodies, including dissolving and transporting substances, accounting for blood volume, regulating body temperature, and cushioning and lubricating body organs and tissues. Electrolytes help regulate fluid balance by controlling the movement of fluid into and out of cells. Electrolytes, specifically sodium and potassium, play a key role in generating nerve impulses in response to stimuli. Calcium is an electrolyte that stimulates muscle contraction. We maintain healthy fluid levels in our body by balancing intake with excretion. Primary sources of fluids include water and other beverages, foods and the production of metabolic water in the body. Fluid losses occur through urination, sweating, our feces and evaporation from our lungs. Sodium is the primary positively charged electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
