Word parts
What it means
In nursing the word usually comes in a phrase. A fluid imbalance means the body holds too much water (fluid overloadFLOO-id OH-ver-lohdToo much fluid in the body, in the blood vessels and the tissues.Full entry ) or too little (dehydrationdee-hy-DRAY-shunA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.de- remove, lack ofhydr/o water-ation processFull entry ). An electrolyteih-LEK-troh-lytA mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.electr/o electricity-lyte something that can be dissolvedFull entry imbalance means a blood level such as 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 or calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry is above or below normal. An acid-base imbalance means the blood is too acidic or too alkaline. Trouble keeping steady on the feet is also called imbalance.
For the nurse
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are followed with daily weights, intake and outputIN-tayk and OWT-putThe measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.Full entry , vital signs and lab values. Report a change in mental status, heart rhythm or muscle strength. A client with a balance problem needs fall precautions.
In a chart
"Electrolyte imbalance: sodium 128 mEq/L, potassium 3.1 mEq/L; provider notified."
At a glance
| Spanish | desequilibrio |
|---|---|
| Also written | imbalances |
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
homeostasis
The body's way of keeping its inside conditions, such as temperature, fluids and blood sugar, steady.
overload
More of something than the body can handle; in nursing, most often too much fluid in the circulation.
fluid balance
The match between the fluid that goes into the body and the fluid that leaves it.