Electrolytes
- Electrolytes Overview
- Sodium (Na)
- Conditions of Sodium Imbalance
- Symptoms of Sodium Imbalance
- Potassium (K)
- Conditions of Potassium Imbalance
- Calcium (Ca)
- Conditions of Calcium Imbalance
- Bicarbonate (HCO3)
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Electrolytes Overview
Electrolytes are the smallest of chemicals that allow the body to work. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and others are critical in allowing cells to function. They generate electricity, contract muscles, move water and fluids within the body, and participate in myriad other activities.
The concentration of electrolytes in the body is controlled by a variety of hormones, most of which are manufactured in the kidney and the adrenal glands. Sensors in specialized kidney cells monitor the amount of sodium, potassium, and water in the bloodstream. The body functions in a very narrow range of normal, and it is hormones like renin (made in the kidney), angiotensin (from the lung, brain and heart), aldosterone (from the adrenal gland), and antidiuretic hormone (from the pituitary) that keep the electrolyte balance within those limits.
Keeping electrolyte concentrations in balance also includes stimulating the thirst mechanism when the body gets dehydrated.
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Electrolytes
Fever in Adults Overview
A fever is higher-than-normal body temperature. It is a symptom caused by a variety of illnesses.
Every one of us has experienced the wave of chills and exhaustion that a fever causes. Fever usually occurs in response to an infection or inflammation. However, many other causes are possible, including drugs, poisons, cancer, heat exposure, injuries or abnormalities to the brain, or disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system.
A fever rarely comes without other symptoms. It is often accompanied by specific complaints, which may help to identify the illness causing the fever. This can help the doctor determine which treatment is necessary.
- Normal body temperature can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather. For most people, a temperature of 98.6°F is baseline.
- Temperature is usually controlled by the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus i...
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Fluid, Electrolyte, and Nutrition Management in the Newborn »
This article describes important principles and specific methods of fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition (FEN) management in newborns, with a special focus on patients with complex fluid and electrolyte requirements, including premature, very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates, as well as patients who have undergone abdominal surgery and those who have sepsis.
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