Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 75
FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES
Fall 2010
Replaced Fall 2012
Catalog Description
75 - Fluids and Electrolytes
1 unit
Introduction to principles of fluid and electrolyte balance. Assessment and treatment of imbalances; parenteral therapy;
acid-base balance; interpretation and application of laboratory results. Prerequisite: All nursing courses in the first
semester of the nursing curriculum (or equivalent) completed with grades of "C" or higher and concurrent enrollment in
Nursing 59 or Nursing 60A or possession of valid California LVN license. 1 hour.
[Typical contact hours: 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1. describe principles of administration of medications and IV fluids for clients throughout the life span;
2. demonstrate competency in application of the components of the nursing process;
3. interpret laboratory results as an indication of nutritional status;
4. describe process of normal cardiac and renal function
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. outline principles of fluid and electrolyte balance;
2. describe symptoms, precipitating factors, and collaborative management of fluid and electrolyte imbalances;
3. explain types and indications for parenteral therapy;
4. describe changes in fluid balance which occur throughout the lifespan;
5. outline assessment parameters, causes, and collaborative management of the client who has an acid-base
imbalance;
6. interpret arterial blood gas studies;
7. integrate laboratory results into client care planning.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Fluid and electrolyte balance
Principles of parenteral therapy
Acid-base balance
Arterial blood gases
Analysis of laboratory results
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture/discussion
Audio-visual aids
Case Studies
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Discuss etiology, assessment, and treatment of the client who has disorders involving electrolyte
imbalance
b. Correlate laboratory results with a given medical diagnosis
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Written tests
b. Written final examination
Textbooks(typical):
Fundamentals of Nursing 7th Edition, Potter and Perry, Mosby, 2009.
Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition, Smeltzer, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins,
2010
Special Student Materials: None