Section I. INTRODUCTION TO FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE PHYSIOLOGY
FRAME 1
Section I. INTRODUCTION TO FLUID AND
ELECTROLYTE PHYSIOLOGY
SPECIAL NOTE: The material in Section I, Fluid and
Electrolyte Therapy, is presented to you in the form of a
programmed text. The content of this section is designed
to review the basic concepts of fluid and electrolyte
therapy. An understanding of the principles set forth in
this section is essential for a thorough understanding of
the use of intravenous solutions. The questions and
answers dispersed throughout the programmed text will
take the place of the practice exercises usually seen at
the end of the lesson. The remaining sections of this
lesson will be presented in their usual format.
GO TO FRAME 2.
FRAME 2
The average size person (154 pounds or 70 kilograms)
has water amounting to 60 to 70 percent of his total body
weight. Electrolytes are found in body fluids. Electrolytes
are chemical compounds which are ionized in the
aqueous solutions of the body. These electrolytes
perform essential physiological functions in the body.
Fluctuations in the levels of body fluids and/or electrolytes
can result in illness and even death.
FRAME 3
As a person who prepares sterile products, you will have
the responsibility of preparing sterile solutions which are
meant to be intravenously administered to patients.
These solutions will always consist of sterile water. Many
times these solutions will also have electrolytes (like
sodium chloride) added.
MD0807
5-4