What it means
The word has two uses. Physical equilibrium is the sense of balance, kept by the inner ear, the eyes and the muscles. Chemical equilibrium is balance between two sides: water and particles move across a membrane until both sides are equal, as in osmolarityoz-moh-LAIR-ih-teeThe amount of dissolved particles in a set volume of fluid, which decides which way water moves.Full entry .
For the nurse
A client with an inner ear problem or dizziness has poor balance and a high fall risk: have them sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing, and stay close while they walk.
At a glance
| Spanish | equilibrio |
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Related terms
dizziness
A feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady or off balance, or that the room is spinning.
homeostasis
The body's way of keeping its inside conditions, such as temperature, fluids and blood sugar, steady.
osmolarity
The amount of dissolved particles in a set volume of fluid, which decides which way water moves.