There s hardly a disease process or medical intervention that does not involve a threat or a potential threat to a patient s fluid and electro- lyte balance. Even patients who are only mildly ill can rapidly develop critical imbal- ances. The nurse is the health-care worker who most continually observes and evaluates pa- tients progress. So the nurse is most logically accountable for assessing and reporting real or potential fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Very minor changes in a patient s behavior such as slight restlessness, twitching, or a change in breathing patterns may be early signs of imbalance. A knowledgeable nurse can recognize these minor changes, report them accurately, and effectively manage the situation; frequently she can prevent serious or even life-threatening problems. This Skillbook will help you to build a foun- dation of competence. It focuses on the nurse s role in assessment, record-keeping, and management of fluid and electrolyte dis- turbances. And it gives real applications of these complex and sometimes difficult-to- grasp principles. This book begins with the physiology of fluids and electrolytes in the balanced state (homeostasis); continues with definitions and tips for recognizing imbalance; describes the function of the key electrolytes
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