NCLEX: Caring for the Client with Disorders of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Acid/Base Balance

Terms you’ll need to understand:
Acidosis
Active transport
Alkalosis
Diffusion
Electrolyte
Filtration pH

Nursing skills you’ll need to master:
Evaluating pH in clients

Basic Knowledge of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Although fluid and electrolyte balance and acid/base balance are separate entities, they are directly related to one another. For example, dehydration results in a decrease in the pH or metabolic acidosis, whereas overhydration results in an increase in the pH or metabolic alkalosis. To understand how this happens, let’s review the basics of fluid movement across the cell membrane.
Fluid constantly moves in and out of the cell through a process known as osmosis. This fluid is compartmentalized into intracellular fluid (fluid that is within the cell) and extracellular fluid (fluid that is outside the cell). Two thirds of the body’s fluid is intracellular. The remaining one third, or extracellular fluid, is divided between the intravascular and interstitial spaces.
Diffusion is the process whereby molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Diffusion is affected by the amount and type of molecular particles. These molecular particles are removed from body fluid as they pass through semipermeable membranes in a process known as filtration.
Molecular particles can also pass from an area of lower concentration to one of higher concentration by a process known as active transport. Diffusion and active transport allow positively charged particles, called cations, and negatively charged particles, called anions, to pass in and out of the cell. These particles are also known as electrolytes because they are positively or negatively charged. As these cations and anions concentrate, they result in changes in the pH. Some examples of anions are bicarb (HCO3–), chloride (Cl–), proteins, phosphates, and sulfates. Examples of cations are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg++), and calcium (Ca++). A. acid is a substance that releases a hydrogen (H+) ion when dissolved in water, and a base is a substance that binds with a hydrogen ion when released in water. Therefore, when there is a decrease in bicarbonate hydrogen ions (HCO3–) or an accumulation of carbonic acid, acidosis exist; when there is an increase in bicarbonate hydrogen ions (HCO3–) or a loss of carbonic acid, alkalosis exist.
Within this guide we will discuss how these factors affect acid/base balance (pH) and the regulation of electrolytes. You will also discover the disease processes that contribute to these alterations.


Regulation of pH and Its Effect on Fluid and Electrolytes
The body maintains its pH by keeping the ratio of HCO3 (bicarb) to H2CO3 (carbonic acid) at a proportion of 20:1. HCO3 or bicarbonate is base, whereas carbonic acid is acidic. This relationship constantly changes and is compensated for by the kidneys and lungs. The normal pH is 7.35–7.45, with the ideal pH being 7.40. If the carbonic acid concentration increases, acidosis occurs and the client’s pH falls below 7.40. A pH below 7.35 is considered uncompensated acidosis. If the HCO3 concentration increases, alkalosis occurs and the client’s pH is above 7.40. A pH above 7.45 is considered uncompensated alkalosis.

How the Body Regulates pH
Two buffer systems in the body assist in regulating pH:
- Kidneys—By retaining or excreting NaHCO3 (sodium bicarb) or by excreting acidic urine or alkaline urine.

They also help by reabsorbing NaHCO3– and secreting free H+ ions
- Lungs—By retaining carbonic acid in the form of CO2 (carbon dioxide) or by rapid respirations excreting CO2.

When there is a problem with either the lungs’ or kidneys’ ability to compensate, an alteration in this balance results.
Let’s discuss the alteration in acid/base balance as it affects electrolytes and pH.

Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis results from a primary gain of carbonic acid or a loss of bicarbonate HCO3 with a pH below 7.40.

Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
The following list are some causes of metabolic acidosis:
- Certain disease states—Disease states that create excessive metabolism of fats in the absence of usable carbohydrates, leading to the accumulation of ketoacids.
- Diabetes mellitus—Lack of usable insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.
- Anorexia—Leading to cell starvation.
- Lactic acidosis—Due to muscle and cell trauma, such as myocardial infarction.
- Renal failure—Leading to waste accumulation in the body and elevated levels of creatinine, BUN, uric acid, and ammonia. All these substances are acidic.
- Diarrhea—With a loss of HCO3. This loss of HCO3 and fluid leads to dehydration. When the client is dehydrated, acidosis is likely.
- Excessive ingestion—Ingestion of aspirin or other acids.
- Overuse of diuretics—Particularly nonpotassium-sparing diuretics.
- Overwhelming systemic infections—Also called sepsis. Overwhelming infections lead to cell death and nitrogenous waste accumulation.
- Terminal stages of Addison’s disease—Adrenal insufficiency results in a loss of sodium and water. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and hypovolemic shock.

Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis
The following list highlights symptoms of metabolic acidosis that a nurse needs to be aware of for both the exam and for on-the-job observations:
- Neurological—Headache, lethargy, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, coma, death
- Gastrointestinal—Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fruity breath
- Respiratory—Hyperventilation (due to stimulation of the hypothala- mus)
- Renal—Polyuria and increased acid in the urine
- Lab values—Decreased pH, decreased PaCO2, decreased serum CO2, often increased potassium

Care of the Client with Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is rarely present without an underlying disease process.
Treatment involves early diagnosis and treatment of the causative factors:

- Monitor the potassium level (K+) and treat accordingly—Because potassium (K+) is an intracellular cation, changes in potassium levels commonly occur with metabolic acidosis. The symptoms of hyperkalemia are malaise, generalized weakness, muscle irritability, flaccid paralysis, nausea, and diarrhea. If the potassium is excreted through the kidneys, hypokalemia can result. The symptoms of hypokalemia are diminished reflexes, weak pulse, depressed U waves on the ECG exam, shallow respirations, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
If administering potassium, always check renal function prior to administration. The kidney assists in regulating potassium. If the client has renal disease, a lifethreatening hyperkalemia can result. Because potassium is bitter to taste, it should be administered with juice. Ascorbic acid also helps with absorption of the potassium. If administering an IV, always control infusion by using an IV pump or controller. A. infusion that is too rapid can result in cardiac arrythymias. If giving IV, dilute the potassium with IV fluids to prevent hyperkalemia and burning of the vein.

- Treat diabetes—Treat with insulin for hyperglycemia; treat with glu- cose for hypoglycemic.
- Treat hypovolemia—Treat with a volume expander and blood transfu- sions and treat shock.
- Treat renal failure—Treatment includes dialysis or transplant. The diet for renal failure clients should control protein, sodium, and fluid.

Supplemental with calories and carbohydrates is suggested.
- Treat lactic acidosis—Treatment includes oxygen and NaHCO3.
- Treat Addison’s disease—Treatment includes cortisone preparations, a high sodium diet, and fluids for shock.
Nursing care of the client with metabolic acidosis includes frequent monitoring of vital signs and attention to the quality of pulses, intake and output, and oral hygiene. Clients with vomiting should be positioned on their side, with a nasogastric tube to Levin suction. Those with diabetes should be taught the importance of frequent fingersticks and urine checks for hyperglycemia.

Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a decrease in the rate of ventilation to the amount of carbonic acid production. Hypoventilation leads to CO2 accumulation and a pH value less than 7.35. Loss of the lungs as a buffer system causes the kidneys to compensate. In chronic respiratory acidosis, the kidneys attempt to compensate by retaining HCO3.

Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
The following list highlights causes of respiratory acidosis you need to know.

All these involve accumulation of carbonic acid (CO2) and/or a lack of oxygenation:
- Over sedation or anesthesia.
- Head injury (particularly those affecting the respiratory center). This type of head injury leads to an increase in intracranial pressure and suppression of the respirations.
- Paralysis of the respiratory muscles (for example, Guillian-Barré, myas- thenia gravis, or spinal cord injury).
- Upper airway obstruction.
- Acute lung conditions (such as pulmonary emboli, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or atelectasis).
- Chronic obstructive lung disease.
- Prolonged overbreathing of CO2.

When the client has been given general anesthesia followed by narcotic administration, there is a risk of narcotic overdose. The nurse should keep naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) available as the antidote for narcotic overdose. Flumazenil (Romazicon) is the antidote for the client who is admitted with an overdose of benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium).

Symptoms of Respiratory Acidosis
The following list gives the symptoms of respiratory acidosis you need to know:
- Neurological—Dull sensorium, restlessness, apprehension, hypersom- nolence, coma
- Respiratory—Initially increased respiratory rate, perspiration, increased heart rate; later, slow respirations and periods of apnea or CheyneStokes respirations (breathing marked by periods of apnea lasting 10–60 seconds followed gradually by hyperventilation) with resulting cyanosis

Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia. Early signs are tachycardia and tachypnea.

Caring for the Client with Respiratory Acidosis
Care of the client with respiratory acidosis includes attention to signs of respiratory distress, maintaining a patent airway, encouraging fluids to thin secretions, and chest physiotherapy.
Percussion, vibration, and drainage should be done upon arising, before meals, and prior to bedtime. Mouth care should be offered after percussion, vibration, and drainage. Cupped hands should be used to prevent trauma to the skin and bruising.

Effective toys for children with asthma or cystic fibrosis are toys such as horns, pinwheels, and whistles. These toys prolong the expiratory phase of respirations and help with CO2 exhalation. The best sport is swimming.

Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis results from a primary gain in HCO3 or a loss of acid that results in a pH level above 7.45.

Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
The following list highlights causes of metabolic alkalosis that you need to be aware of:
- Vomiting or nasogastric suction that may lead to loss of hydrochloric acid
- Fistulas high in the gastrointestinal tract that may lead to a loss of hydrochloric acid
- Steroid therapy or Cushing’s syndrome (hypersecretion of cortisol) that may lead to sodium, hydrogen (H+) ions, and fluid retention
- Ingestion or retention of a base (for example, calcium antacids or NaHCO3)

Symptoms of Metabolic Alkalosis
Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include
- Neurological—Fidgeting and twitching tremors related to hypokalemia or hyperkalemia
- Respiratory—Slow, shallow respirations in an attempt to retain CO2
- Cardiac—Atrial tachycardia and depressed T waves related to hypokalemia
- Gastrointestinal—Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea causing loss of hydrochloric acid
- Lab changes—pH levels above 7.45, normal or increased CO2, increased NaHCO3

Caring for the Client with Metabolic Alkalosis
The following items are necessary care items a nurse should know for treating clients with metabolic alkalosis:
- Administering potassium replacements
- Observing for dysrhythmias
- Observing intake and output
- Assessing for neurological changes

A positive Trousseau’s sign indicates hypocalcemia and is done by applying a blood pressure to the arm and observing for carpo-pedal spasms. Another assessment tool is the Chvostek’s sign, which is done by tapping the facial nerve (C7) and observing for facial twitching. This test also indicates hypocalcaemia.

Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis is related primarily to the excessive blowing off of CO2 through hyperventilation. Causes of respiratory alkalosis include
- Hypoxia
- Anxiety
- High altitudes

Symptoms of Respiratory Alkalosis
The following list details symptoms of respiratory alkalosis that you will need to know as a nurse and for the exam:
- Neurological—Numbness and tingling of hands and feet, tetany, seizures, and fainting
- Respiratory—Deep, rapid respirations
- Psychological—Anxiety, fear, and hysteria
- Lab changes—Increased pH, decreased PaCO2, decreased K levels, and normal or decreased CO2 levels

Care of the Client with Respiratory Alkalosis
The following list includes steps for caring for clients suffering from respiratory alkalosis:
- To correct respiratory alkalosis, the nurse must determine the cause for hyperventilation. Some causes for hyperventilation are stress and high altitudes. Treatments include
- Stress reduction
- Sedation
- Breathing in a paper bag to facilitate retaining CO2 or using a re- breathing bag
- Decreasing the tidal volume and rate of ventilator settings

Use the following acronym to help you with respiratory and metabolic questions on the exam:
ROME: Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal
This means, in respiratory disorders the pH is opposite to the CO2 and HCO3, and in metabolic disorders the pH is equal to or moves in the same direction as the CO2 and HCO3. Here’s an explanation:

- Respiratory acidosis—pH down, CO2 up, HCO3 up
- Metabolic acidosis—pH down, CO2 down, HCO3 down
- Respiratory alkalosis—pH up, CO2 down, HCO3 down
- Metabolic alkalosis—pH up, CO2 up, HCO3 up

Normal Electrolyte Values
It is important for you to know these normal electrolyte values. You need to be aware of these so you can associate alterations in them with the acid/base balance. Note that you are likely to encounter questions on the exam that use these values:
- Sodium (Na+) 135–145 meq/L—Maintains acid/base balance, main- tains extracellular volume, and maintains urine concentration
- Potassium (K+) 3.5–5.5 meq/L—Regulates protein synthesis, glycoly- sis, and glycogen synthesis
- Calcium (Ca++) 4.5–5.5 meq/L or 8.5–10.5 mg/dl—Helps with the strength and density of bones and teeth, normal clotting, and muscle contractility
- Chloride (Cl–) 95–105 meq/L—Assists the formation of hydrochloric acid, maintenance of acid/base balances, and maintaining osmotic pressure
- Phosphorus (ph+) 2.5–4.5 meg/dl—Assists with activation of B com- plex, cell development, CHO, fat and protein metabolism, and formation and activation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate—creb cycle)
- Magnesium (Mg++) 1.4–2.5 meq/dl—Helps with muscle contraction,

DNA synthesis, and activation of ATP and B complex

Changes Associated with Aging
The following list gives you factors related to fluid and electrolyte balance and acid/base balance with aging clients:
- Presence of chronic health problems such as diabetes mellitus or renal failure
- Poor appetite
- Medications such as diuretics taken by the client
- Skin breakdown
- Osteoporosis
- Lack of muscle mass