FRAME 31
Whenever fluid is lost from the body, certain
electrolytes tend to be lost with the fluid. A liter of
extracellular fluid contains approximately 140 mEq
of sodium. Therefore, if a liter of extracellular fluid
were lost from the body, the sodium lost in that
fluid would have to be replaced along with the liter
of fluid. To further complicate matters,
extracellular fluid in the stomach has a different
the intestine. Therefore, a liter of fluid lost during
severe vomiting would not contain the same
electrolytes (in regard to type and number) as a
liter of fluid lost during a severe case of diarrhea.
Therefore, in replacing lost fluid, the type of fluid
lost and the volume of lost fluid must be closely
monitored.
FRAME 32
Up to now, body fluids and electrolytes have been
discussed. Normally, people are unaware of the
loss or gain of body fluids or electrolytes, it is only
when one begins to lose a large volume of fluid
through diarrhea and vomiting that this loss
becomes acutely apparent. Just think of a time
when you experienced acute fluid loss. You will
have to agree that the body usually does a superb
job of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
FRAME 33
Each and every day the body loses fluids and
electrolytes. These fluid and electrolyte losses are
normal. These fluid losses normally occur through
four main routes, perspiration, digestion,
respiration, and urination.
MD0807
5-12