Focus On: Fluids & Electrolytes

Attention to a patient’s fluid and electrolyte status is essential for nurses to know no matter where you work. Imbalances can quickly turn into life-threatening situations and it is imperative to fine tune your knowledge and skills to recognize subtle signs and symptoms and intervene appropriately when an issue with fluids and electrolytes arises. Even if you are well into your nursing career, it’s important to refresh and review this critical information.

Use these peer-reviewed resources to understand the importance of volume status and electrolyte abnormalities in your patients. Our journal articles, CE and easy guide will help you master fluids and electrolytes quickly so you can get back to what matters most – the patient.

Laboratory Values [FREE]
Here’s a handy table to help you monitor laboratory values related to fluid and electrolyte status and understand related nursing implications.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances: Interpretation and Assessment
Journal of Infusion Nursing, November/December 2016

The Ongoing Controversy: Crystalloids Versus Colloids
Journal of Infusion Nursing, January/February 2016

Hyperkalemia: Recognition and Management of a Critical Electrolyte Disturbance
Journal of Infusion Nursing, May/June 2014

Case Studies in Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy
Journal of Infusion Nursing, August 2013

I.V. Essentials: Fluid management basics
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, July/August 2013

Using Functional Hemodynamic Indicators to Guide Fluid Therapy
American Journal of Nursing, May 2013

Fluid and Electrolyte Series: Balancing act - Calcium & phosphorus
Nursing2012, January 2012

I.V. Fluids: What Nurses Need To Know
Nursing2011, May 2011

Keeping Electrolytes & Fluids In Balance: Part 1
Nursing2011 Critical Care, March 2011

Keeping Electrolytes & Fluids In Balance: Part 2
Nursing2011 Critical Care, May 2011