Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 8e
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 8e
8th Edition
ISBN: 9780323358286
Author: Linda Lane Lilley PhD RN, Shelly Rainforth Collins PharmD, Julie S. Snyder MSN RN-BC
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 29, Problem 1O
Summary Introduction

To review:

The function of fluid volume and compartments within the body and the role of major electrolytes in maintaining homeostasis.

Concept introduction:

Fluids in the body are divided into compartments. Fluids within the cell contain dissolved solutes, mostly in the form of electrolytes. The fluids outside the cell play a greater role in transportation of nutrients. Fluid and electrolyte balance are the major factors that help in maintaining homeostasis. This ensures an equal intake and release of fluids.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Fluids in the body are distributed into two main compartments namely intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF). ICF is within the cells, and it dissolves electrolytes and other solutes. ECF is present outside the cells. They help in the transport of nutrients and waste products. ECF can be an interstitial fluid that surrounds the cells or intravascular fluid that refers to the blood in the circulatory system.

The volume of fluids is very important to maintain an essential balance of the body. If more water is lost from the body than it is gained, it results in a condition called dehydration. There are 3 main types of dehydration namely hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic. Hypertonic dehydration results when the amount of water lost is greater than the amount of sodium lost. This increases the concentration of solutes outside the cell and causes the cell to shrink by loss of fluid to outside. Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the amount of sodium lost is greater than the amount of water lost. This increases the solute concentration inside the cells and as a result, the solvent is pulled into the cells. Isotonic dehydration occurs due to a decrease in ECF volume by loss of both sodium and water.

The important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, chloride, and bicarbonate. Potassium is the major electrolyte in the intracellular fluid, whereas sodium and chloride are the main electrolytes in extracellular fluid. Potassium plays major roles in nerve impulse transmission, contraction of muscles, and heartbeat regulation. Sodium is the most important electrolyte that helps in maintaining acid–base balance, osmotic pressure, and controlling water distribution. Clotting of blood, enzyme reactions, and other homeostatic mechanisms are also controlled by the balancing of electrolytes.

Conclusion

An increase or decrease in the amount of fluids can result in improper functioning of body mechanisms. Thus, fluid balance should be maintained in the body. This is carried out with the help of several electrolytes and solutes.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
One of your long-term patients who you have known for many years has progressed to end-stage prostate cancer and has been placed on a palliative care program. The currently commercially available morphine liquids he has been using contain a flavouring agent that makes him nauseous. His Physician has requested you compound a morphine liquid for him without flavour as his pain is well controlled on this medication and he does not want to change to another pain reliever. Your pharmacy team and the Physician would like to make his end-of-life process as comfortable as possible. A formulation for a suspension appears to be a good option to try.   RX: Morphine liquid 1 mg/mL Sig: Take 1-2 mL q1h prn Mitte: 100 mL   Formulation: Morphine HCl 10 mg Glycerol 1 mL Compound Hydroxybenzoate Solution 0.1 mL Purified water to 10 mL Use within 1 month
As a nursing student in the pediatric unit, explore the topic "fear and anxiety during hospitalization for school age patients" in a TGROW format. Topic: What issue are you planning to address? Provide overview.Goal: What is your goal? Is it SMART?Reality: Current state of the situation? Why are you choosing this goal? What hashappened?Options: What are all the possible options to deal with the situation? 3 should bearticulated. What obstacles might be in the way? Weigh the pros and cons of eachoption.Way Forward: Which option are you selecting? What do you need to get done to achieveyour goal? What will be your first step? Commit to taking action.
why is it important to understand children experiencing fear and anxiety while being admitted to the hospital as a nursing student and how does this impact nursing practice
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Phlebotomy Essentials
Nursing
ISBN:9781451194524
Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Publisher:JONES+BARTLETT PUBLISHERS, INC.
Text book image
Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Profession...
Nursing
ISBN:9780323414425
Author:Robert J Hubert BS
Publisher:Saunders
Text book image
Fundamentals Of Nursing
Nursing
ISBN:9781496362179
Author:Taylor, Carol (carol R.), LYNN, Pamela (pamela Barbara), Bartlett, Jennifer L.
Publisher:Wolters Kluwer,
Text book image
Fundamentals of Nursing, 9e
Nursing
ISBN:9780323327404
Author:Patricia A. Potter RN MSN PhD FAAN, Anne Griffin Perry RN EdD FAAN, Patricia Stockert RN BSN MS PhD, Amy Hall RN BSN MS PhD CNE
Publisher:Elsevier Science
Text book image
Study Guide for Gould's Pathophysiology for the H...
Nursing
ISBN:9780323414142
Author:Hubert BS, Robert J; VanMeter PhD, Karin C.
Publisher:Saunders
Text book image
Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (Min...
Nursing
ISBN:9781337406291
Author:Gerald Corey, Marianne Schneider Corey, Cindy Corey
Publisher:Cengage Learning