Electrolytes or Acid-Base Balance.
Discuss the common electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
Each of the electrolytes should be selected by at least one class member.
What role does each of the selected electrolytes play in cellular function and fluid balance?
How do these electrolytes impact acid-base balance?
What physical symptoms would the nurse assess for if the serum levels of these selected electrolytes are too high or too low?
What is the treatment for abnormal levels of these selected electrolytes?
Explain what “tonicity” means. What is the difference between isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions?
Why does the nurse need to know about tonicity of intravenous fluids?
In your replies to classmates, be sure to read and post a response to at least one person who chose a different electrolyte than you did. This helps you expand your learning beyond your own posts.
Acid-Base Balance
Discuss the common acid-base imbalances: Metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
What are the anticipated arterial blood gas (ABG) results for the acid-base imbalance selected?
List several signs and symptoms the nurse would expect to assess in a patient experiencing the chosen acid-base imbalance.
Discuss some conditions that could lead to this acid-base imbalance.
How will the nurse know that the body is compensating for the acid-base imbalance?