Fluids and electrolytes . . . .

Ok, before you have a panic attack, let me just say that I used to be so confused by everything about F&E.  While in nursing school I finally read several books focused entirely on the subject, I then read the ICU book, AACN journals, and completed multiple self study sessions on the topic . . .

What can I say?  I knew I had a weakness!

Nowadays I feel much more comfortable looking at lab values and determining what is going on with the patient.  Or, vice versa, looking at a patient and determining what their lab values will look like.

A large portion of this is due simply to understanding what the different electrolytes do in the body.  Once you feel comfortable with that . . . you’ll know exactly what to expect with elevated or decreased levels.

This takes time!  You don’t have to know everything . . . ever . . . but if this is something you are struggling with, this cheatsheet will help.