Page 240 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

f. A large volume of electrolyte-containing
liquids moves into the gastrointestinal
tract and then returns again to the
extracellular fluid.
g. Severe diarrhea results in the loss of
large quantities of fluids and
electrolytes.
h. The kidneys play a major role in
regulating fluid and electrolyte balance
and excrete the largest quantity of
fluid.
i. Normal kidneys can adjust the amount
of water and electrolytes leaving the
body.
j. The quantity of fluid excreted by the
kidneys is determined by the amount
of water ingested and the amount of
waste and solutes excreted.
k. As long as all organs are functioning
normally, the body is able to maintain
balance in its fluid content.

The client with diarrhea is at high risk for a

fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
II. Maintaining Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
A. Description
1. Homeostasis is a term that indicates the relative
stability of the internal environment.
2. Concentration and composition of body fluids must be
nearly constant.
3. When one of the substances in a client is deficient—
either fluids or electrolytes—the substance must be
replaced normally by the intake of food and water or
by therapy such as intravenous (IV) solutions and
medications.
4. When the client has an excess of fluid or electrolytes,
therapy is directed toward assisting the body to
eliminate the excess.
B. The kidneys play a major role in controlling balance in fluid and
electrolytes.
C. The adrenal glands, through the secretion of aldosterone, also aid
in controlling extracellular fluid volume by regulating the amount
of sodium reabsorbed by the kidneys.
D. Antidiuretic hormone from the pituitary gland regulates the
osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid by regulating the amount of
water reabsorbed by the kidneys.

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