

To make a competent assessment of fluid balance, nurses need to understand the fluid compartments within the body and how fluid moves between these compartments (Davies, 2010). Too much or too little of these electrolytes can cause cardiac arrhythmias (Docherty, 2006). Plasma electrolytes are balanced as it is important to have the correct concentration of ions in the blood, especially sodium, potassium and magnesium. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves in solution to form an equal number of positively charged sodium (Na +) ions, and negatively charged chlorine (Cl -) ions (Waugh, 2007). These compounds disassociate into particles which carryĪn electrical charge these particles in solutions are called electrolytes.

This consists of water and molecules containing, for example, sodium, chloride and potassium (Mooney, 2007). What is fluid balance?įluid balance is a term used to describe the balance of the input and output of fluids in the body to allow metabolic processes to function correctly (Welch, 2010).Īround 52% of total body weight in women and 60% in men is fluid. It also discusses the importance of measuring fluid balance accurately, and the health implications of dehydration and overhydration. This article provides an overview of fluid balance, including what fluid balance is, and how and why it is measured.

The report suggests fluids are being left out of reach, or are not being given at all for long periods. However, according to a recent report from the Care Quality Commission (2011), some hospital patients are not being given enough water to drink. Water is essential for life, and maintaining the correct balance of fluid in the body is crucial to health (Welch, 2010).
#ACCORDION METHOD TO HER FLUID OUT PDF#
