The body is constantly losing water through breathing, sweating, and urinating, which leads to dehydration if not replaced. It may also have trouble excreting fluids which causes excess fluid to build up in the body, which can lead to edema (excess fluid in the skin).

Electrolytes are minerals in the blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect the amount of water in the body, the acidity of the blood (pH), muscle function, and other important processes.

Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.

Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide the body produces. This causes body fluids, especially the blood, to become too acidic (MedlinePlus).

This book is a comprehensive guide to Fluid, Electrolyte, Metabolic and Respiratory Acid-Base Management. Each section begins with an overview of the condition and associated organs, followed by detailed discussion on appropriate treatment techniques.

Key points

• Comprehensive guide to management of fluid, electrolyte, metabolic and respiratory acid-base disorders
• Includes clinical case studies
• Features nearly 130 illustrations and tables