Fluids and Electrolytes

Fluids and Electrolytes Patients with serious medical illnesses often have imbalances in their fluid and electrolyte levels. All patients in intensive care units are routinely screened for such imbalances. Thus, it is apparent that a medical professional needs to have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of electrolytes, fluids, and acid-base balance in the body, so that effective treatment can be carried out. In this book, we will discuss the regulation of fluids, electrolytes, and the acid-base system and how these factors are interconnected. When there is an imbalance in one of these electrolytes, the others are usually affected. Similarly, electrolyte imbalances can arise from, or result from, acid-base disorders. We will also discuss the signs and symptoms of various imbalances and touch upon the management modalities for these imbalances. Common medical conditions where there are massive imbalances are described in the last chapter. There are summaries at the end of each chapter