Isotonic Fluid
Replaces ECF intravascular (plasma) volume
Hypotonic Fluid
Replaces intracellular fluid volume (ICF)
Cellular hydration
Hypertonic Fluid
Expands extracellular fluid volume or plasma
Pulls fluid from ICF volume
*3% sodium chloride, 20% dextrose D20W, albumin, TPN solution
Fluid Volume Deficit
Manifestations and lab values
Treatment of Fluid Volume Deficit
Give IV fluids to replace losses (will depend on cause of deficit)
Replace fluid and electrolytes (oral and enteral)
Maintaining fluid levels and electrolytes
Correct imbalances
Monitor I&O
Weight daily
Safety precautions: orthostatic hypotension
- Get up slowly, bed in lowest position, etc.
Fluid Volume Excess
Manifestations and lab values
Treatment of Fluid Volume Excess
Na+ retention is primary cause of fluid volume excess. (Restrict fluid intake)
Medications to remove fluids (diuretics)
- Loop diuretics (K+. Cl-, Na+, and H20 excretion)
- Thiazide diuretics (Na+, K+, Cl-, H20 excretion)
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (spare K+. but excrete Na+, and H20)
Fluid Volume Excess
I&O
Edema (periorbital is generalized)
Good oral hygiene
Monitor for decreased K+ levels (diuretic side effect)
Rest with feet elevated
Semi-fowler’s to assist with breathing
Monitor lab values closely (cardiac and renal concerns)
Electrolyte Concentrations
a
Serum Electrolytes
Na+ : 135-145 mmol/L
K+ : 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L
Ca+ : 2.1 - 2.6 mmol/ L
Hyponatremia
Intake of foods high in sodium
Restrict oral fluids
Administer sodium - containing intravenous fluids
Medications
- Administer loop diuretics and sodium replacement to remove excess water
Priority of care is to increase sodium intake or decrease water intake
Hyponatremia
Teach importance of drinking liquids containing sodium and other electrolytes
Hypernatremia
Correct water deficit
Medications
- Administer diuretics to increase sodium excretion (K+ sparing diuretics)
Prescribe low sodium diet
Priorities of care are to decrease sodium intake and increase water intake
Teach low sodium diet and sufficient water intake
*Dehydration of brain cells causes neuro deficits (confusion, altered LOC, severe cases = seizures)
Hypokalemia
Potassium replacement orally or intravenously
Increase intake of foods high in potassium
Foods high in potassium:
- Fruits: avocados, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, dates, oranges, raisins
- Vegetables: carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes
- Meat and fish
- Milk and milk products
Hypokalemia
Priorities of care are early identification and monitoring of cardiac status
Teach high-potassium diet, administering potassium supplements, and regular follow-up assessments
*Occurs when clients are NPO or have anorexia nervosa, with excess GI loss, rapid tissue repair
Hyperkalemia
Medications
- Administer loop diuretics, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) (exchanges Na+ for K+) - K+ excreted
- Administer IV insulin, glucose, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium gluconate
Administer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
Hyperkalemia
Priorities of care are early detection and monitoring of cardiac status
Teach administration of medications, low-potassium diet, obtaining regular lab tests, and follow-up care
Hypocalcemia
Medications
*Calcium has a sedative effect
Hypocalcemia
Increase dietary intake of calcium
Priority of care is to replace deficient calcium to prevent dysrhythmias and seizures
Teach dietary intake of calcium foods and vitamin D, administration of medications, and follow-up care
Hypercalcemia
Medications
Hypercalcemia
Decrease dietary intake of calcium
Hypercalcemia
Priorities of care
Hypercalcemia
Teach administration of medications, decreased dietary intake of calcium, increased dietary intake of fiber, and encourage weight-bearing activities
Hypomagnesemia
Medications