Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Fluid and electrolyte balance is vital for homeostasis. Nurses monitor intake/output, recognise imbalances, and understand normal electrolyte ranges.
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What you must know about Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Normal serum sodium is about 135–145 mmol/L and potassium about 3.5–5.0 mmol/L.
Accurate intake and output charting is essential to assess fluid balance.
Signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, oliguria, tachycardia, and hypotension.
Signs of fluid overload: oedema, raised JVP, crackles in the lungs, and weight gain.
Hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia both cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias.
Daily weight is one of the most reliable indicators of fluid status.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Know normal sodium (135–145) and potassium (3.5–5.0) ranges.
Daily weight is the best single indicator of fluid balance.
Potassium imbalances → cardiac dysrhythmias (high-priority).
Assess skin turgor and mucous membranes for dehydration.
Practice Question
Test yourself
Which of the following is the normal range for serum potassium in an adult?
Explanation
The normal serum potassium range is approximately 3.5–5.0 mmol/L. Values outside this range can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. (135–145 mmol/L is the sodium range.)
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