Introduction

BODY FLUID

Body fluids refers to all normal liquids present in the human body. Body fluids make up 50-60% of body mass of an average man.

The body fluids perform various functions which include transport of nutrients, waste removal, maintain cellular function, and regulate body temperature.

ELECTROLYTE

Electrolyte refers to charged particles that exist normally in human body. Electrolytes are minerals that become either positively or negatively charged when dissolved in water or fluids of the body.

Electrolytes perform functions such as muscle contraction, control of nerve impulses, hydration of the body, and acid-base balance.

Fluid Compartments

Total Body Water (TBW) refers to the total fluid volume found in the body. The fluid contribute to the overall weight of a person. For adult male, the fluid comprises of 60 % of total body weight while for adult female, the fluid form 50-55 % of the total body weight. The fluids exist in various compartments within the body.

Compartments. The Total Body Water is distributed throughout the body, and are located in two major compartments.

Intracellular Fluid Compartment (ICF)

Which refers to all fluids located inside the cells and form 2/3 of the Total Body Water of the normal average person.

Extracellular Fluid Compartment (EFC)

Refers to the body fluids located outside the cells. The ECF comprises of intravascular (plasma), interstitial, and transcellular (CSF, synovial, pleural) fluids and forms 1/3 of the total body water volume.

Key Electrolytes & Reference Ranges

Electrolyte	Normal Range	Key Function
Sodium (Na⁺)	135–145 mEq/L	Fluid balance, nerve impulses
Potassium (K⁺)	3.5–5.0 mEq/L	Cardiac & muscle function
Calcium (Ca²⁺)	8.6–10.2 mg/dL	Bones, clotting, muscles
Magnesium (Mg²⁺)	1.5–2.5 mEq/L	Neuromuscular function
Chloride (Cl⁻)	98–106 mEq/L	Acid–base balance
Phosphate (PO₄³⁻)	2.5–4.5 mg/dL	Energy (ATP), bones

Fluid Regulation & Homeostasis

Edema & Dehydration

Edema

Edema is a condition in which the body tissues swells because of the excess fluid in interstitial spaces.

The condition is characterized by swelling of feet, legs or hands.

If not control quickly, edema can lead to heart failure, renal disease, liver disease, and inflammation.

Signs

The signs and symptoms of Oedema condition include;

· Pitting/non-pitting swelling

· Weight gain

· Decreased urine output

Prevention

· Lowering salt intake

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition of body fluid volume deficit. The condition occurs when the body fluid output is more than fluid intake.

Under dehydration, the body does not have enough vital fluids including water.

· Dry mucous membranes
· Poor skin turgor
· Tachycardia
· Hypotension
· Concentrated urine

Control

The main control involve drinking of more water to increase fluid intake volume.

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Electrolyte Imbalances (HYPER & HYPO)

The abnormal level of minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium refers to as electrolyte imbalance. The electrolyte imbalance can either exist in excess (HYPER) or in little quantity (HYPO) leading to various conditions within the body depending on the specific mineral involve.

Sodium

Hyponatremia;

Low sodium in the body fluid (blood) is referred to as hyponatremia. It is a condition in which sodium level is below normal range of 135 mEq/L.

Headache, Confusion, Seizures

Hypernatremia

High sodium in the body above the upper normal range of 145 mEq/L is known as hypernatremia due to dehydration or excessive fluid output.

Thirst, Dry skin, Agitation

Prevention is by balancing of fluid intake and dietary intake of food with sodium (table salt) at a recommended amount.

Potassium

Hypokalemia:

Refers to the insufficient blood potassium levels below the normal range 3.5 mEq/L.

Muscle weakness, Dysrhythmias, Ileus

Hyperkalemia:

Refers to excess potassium in the body fluid above the normal upper range 5.0 mEq/L.

Peaked T waves, Muscle paralysis & Cardiac arrest

Calcium

Hypocalcemia:

Hypocalcemia is a condition where there is low calcium level below the normal range 8.6 mg/dL in the blood. Signs are

Tetany, Chovstek and Trousseau.

Hypercalcemia:

It is a condition characterized by excess calcium in the blood above normal range 10.2 mg/dL. Signs include

Stones, bones, groans, and psychiatric overtones

Magnesium

Hypomagnesemia:

Low magnesium level below the normal range 1.5 mEq/L in the blood is known as hypomagnesemia.

Signs and Symptoms

Tremors, Seizures

Hypermagnesemia:

Refers to the condition where there is high magnesium level above the normal upper range 2.5 mEq/L in the blood.

Signs

Hypotension, Respiratory depression

Medical & Nursing Management

Medical Management

Medical fluid management involve maintaining electrolyte stability within the body. Fluid maintenance help to maintain homeostasis level,

for maximum body organ functions. Some of the medical management of body fluids include;

IV fluids (NS, LR, D5W, 3% hypertonic Saline)

Electrolyte replacement or restriction-Potasium,NaCl

Diuretics (loop, thiazide)

Dialysis (severe imbalance)

Nursing Management

Various methods can be used as a nursing management practice to help maintain the body fluid at a normal range. Some of the available interventions methods include and are not limited to;

· Strict intake & output

· Daily weights

· Monitor vital signs

· Cardiac monitoring (K⁺ imbalances)

· Assess mental status

· Educate patient on fluid & diet restrictions

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Na⁺ = water follows

K⁺ = heart

Ca²⁺ = bones & muscles

Mg²⁺ = neuromuscular stability

Sudden weight change = fluid shift

Always correlate labs with clinical signs

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Overview of Fluid and Electrolyte

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