Word parts
What it means
The minerals in blood and body fluids that carry a small electric charge. They control the balance of water in the body, nerve signals, muscle contraction and the heart's rhythm. The main ones are sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry , potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry , calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry , magnesium, chloride, phosphate and bicarbonate. Vomiting, diarrheady-uh-REE-uhLoose or watery stools, usually three or more times a day or more often than normal for the person.dia- through-rrhea flowFull entry , kidney disease, diuretics and IV fluids can all push them too high or too low.
For the nurse
Know the normal ranges of the main electrolytes, watch the levels of clients on diuretics, IV fluids, tube feedings or with kidney disease, and report results outside the normal range.
In a chart
"Electrolytes this morning: Na 131, K 3.2; replacement ordered."
At a glance
| Spanish | electrolito |
|---|---|
| Also written | electrolytes, lytes |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.