Chabot College
Fall 2004
Course Outline for Nursing 75
FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES
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 57, 58 and 59 (or 60A)
and 64 or possession of valid California RN or LVN license. 1 hour.
[Typical contact hours: 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
describe principles of administration of medication for clients throughout the life span;
demonstrate competency in application of the components of the nursing process;
calculate IV drip rates within 1 drop per minute accuracy;
correctly assess the essentials of assessment of the thorax, skin, abdomen, oral cavity
and peripheral vascular system; verbalize normal physiological changes across the life
span;
interpret laboratory results as an indication of nutritional status;
state the advantages and disadvantages of nutritional supplements.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
outline principles of fluid and electrolyte balance;
describe symptoms, precipitating factors, and collaborative management of fluid and
electrolyte imbalances;
explain types and indications for parenteral therapy;
describe changes in fluid balance which occur throughout the lifespan;
outline assessment parameters, causes, and collaborative management of the client who
has an acid-base imbalance;
interpret arterial blood gas studies;
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
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 75, page 2
Fall 2004
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Assigned readings
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Written Tests
b.
Written final
Textbooks(typical):
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Nursing Considerations, Metheny, Lippincott, 2000.
Special Student Materials:
None
Nsg.75.doc.worddoc
Revised 10/03 slj