Clinical Learning Activity – Fluid and Electrolytes
Randomly pick 5-6 patients on the unit to “investigate” for this learning activity. It is best to
pick patients who are receiving IV fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, tube feeding, etc.
PART I
Without knowing anything about the patients except their diagnoses (and whether they are
receiving any of the treatments listed above), answer the following questions for each patient:

What fluid imbalances do you anticipate finding when you review patient data in the
chart? Why?

What electrolyte imbalances do you anticipate finding when you review patient data in
the chart? Why?

What data do you need to look up in the chart to determine if fluid and electrolyte
imbalances are present?
PART II
Review the above mentioned data in each patient’s record related to fluid and electrolyte
imbalances. Share your findings/abnormal values.

Prioritize the above data as to what is most important to determine the patient’s overall
fluid and electrolyte status.
PART III

What symptomology would you expect to find upon assessment with these abnormal lab
values/fluid imbalances?
Review the chart/assessment data of each patient. Share any findings that have been
documented that can be attributed to abnormal lab values/fluid balance
PART IV
 What treatments/interventions do you anticipate finding on the patient’s plan of care
related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances? What is the expected outcome of each
treatment/intervention?
Review the chart.

Are the above mentioned treatments/interventions in the plan of care/record?
o If so, what documentation is done to evaluate effectiveness?
o If not, why do you think that is? If you were the nurse caring for this patient,
what would you do?