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Chapter: Medical Surgical Nursing: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Distribution

Electrolyte Imbalances: Significance of Sodium

Disturbances in electrolyte balances occur in clinical practice and must be corrected for the patient’s health and safety.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Disturbances in electrolyte balances occur in clinical practice and must be corrected for the patient’s health and safety. Table 14-6 summarizes the major fluid and electrolyte imbalances that are described in the text. An example of an electrolyte imbalance is an altered sodium balance.


SIGNIFICANCE OF SODIUM

Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the ECF; its concen-tration ranges from 135 to 145 mEq/L (135—145 mmol/L). Consequently, sodium is the primary determinant of ECF osmo-lality. Decreased sodium is associated with parallel changes in os-molality. The fact that sodium does not easily cross the cell wall membrane, plus its abundance or high concentration, accounts for its primary role in controlling water distribution throughout the body. In addition, sodium is the primary regulator of ECF volume. A loss or gain of sodium is usually accompanied by a loss or gain of water. Sodium also functions in establishing the electro-chemical state necessary for muscle contraction and the trans-mission of nerve impulses.

 

Sodium imbalance occurs frequently in clinical practice and can develop under simple and complex circumstances. Sodium deficit and excess are the two most common sodium imbalances.

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Medical Surgical Nursing: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Distribution : Electrolyte Imbalances: Significance of Sodium |


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