Fluid & Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance
NP01L019
Study Guide
References:
Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing, 1st Edition, chapt 24
Foundations of Nursing, 4th Edition, chapter 21
Student Study Assignments: Chapter 21, Foundations of Nursing, 4th Edition,
chapter 21 Christensen and Kockrow
Terminal Learning Objective:
Given a scenario of a hospitalized patient, identify a fluid, electrolyte and/or acidbase imbalance
Enabling Learning Objectives:
A: Define key terms from the assigned chapters in Christensen and DeWit
B: Identify the major electrolytes, their function, and the cause and effect of
deficits and excesses of each
C: Identify signs and symptoms of common fluid and electrolyte imbalances
D: Describe the four major acid-base imbalances and the signs and symptoms
associated with each imbalance
E: Determine if a patient is in respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
F: Examine the risk of fluid volume imbalance associated with very young, very
old, and obese patients.
A: Define key terms from the assigned chapters in Christensen and DeWit
1. Match the following terms with their correct definition.
___Active transport
A) The passage of water across a
semipermiable membrane from an area
of low concentration to an area of high
concentration
___Bicarbonate
B) Process in which solid particles in a
fluid move from an area of low
concentration resulting in an even
distribution of the particles in the fluid
___Buffer
C) The transfer of water and dissolved
substances from an area of higher
pressure to an area of lower pressure
___Diffusion
D) Neutralizes excess acids or bases by
accepting or donating hydrogen ions
___Electrolyte
E) The movement of small molecules
across the membrane of a cell with no
cellular energy required
___Filtration
F) A main anion of the extracellualr fluid
___Interstitial
G) Force that moves molecules into
cells without regard for their positive or
negative charge: requires energy
___Osmosis
H) Substance that is sometimes called
minerals or salts; develop electrical
charges when dissolved in water
Fluid & Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance
NP01L019
Study Guide
___Passive transport
I) Fluid between the cells or in the
tissues of the body
B: Identify the major electrolytes (7), their function, and the cause and effect
of deficits and excesses of each
ELECTROLYTE
FUNCTION
DEFICIT
EXCESS
C: Identify signs and symptoms of common fluid and electrolyte imbalances
1. List the common causes of fluid volume deficit.
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2. List the signs and symptoms of dehydration.
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3. List the common causes of fluid volume excess.
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4. List the signs and symptoms of over-hydration.
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5. Define edema, and list common causes of edema.
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D: Describe the four major acid-base imbalances and the signs and symptoms
associated with each imbalance
Fluid & Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance
NP01L019
Study Guide
1. Define metabolic and respiratory alkalosis and acidosis.
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2. Discuss the methods of compensating for the four acid-base imbalances.
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E: Determine if a patient is in respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
1. Match the following laboratory data with the appropriate acid-base imbalance:
A) pH< 7.45; PaCO2 normal to > 45 mmHg(if lungs are compensating); PaO2
normal; O2 saturation normal; HCO3> 26 mEq/L; K+ < 3.5mEq/L
B) pH< 7.35; PaCO2 > 45 mmHg(unless pt has COPD); PaO2 normal or below
80 mmHg; 02 saturation normal or below 95%; HCO3 normal early; K+ above 5
mEq/L
C) pH < 7.35; PaCO2 normal or less than 35 mmHg (if lungs are compensating);
PaO2 normal or less than 35 mmHg (if lungs are compensating); O2 saturation
normal; HCO3 below 22 mEq/L; K+ < 3.5 mEq/L
D) pH 7.45 or greater; PaCO2 < 35 mmHg; PaO2 normal; O2 saturation normal;
HCO3 normal; K+ bleow 3.5 mEq/L
___ Respiratory Acidosis ___ Respiratory Alkalosis
___ Metabolic Acidosis
___ Metabolic Alkalosis
F: Examine the risk of fluid volume imbalance associated with very young, very
old, and obese patients.
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