Section outline

  • Imbalance

    Fluids and electrolytes are fundamental to maintaining homeostasis in the human body, ensuring proper cellular function, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and overall physiological balance. Body fluids, distributed between intracellular and extracellular compartments, contain vital electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, which regulate osmotic pressure, pH balance, and electrical impulses. Understanding the dynamics of fluid movement and electrolyte balance is crucial, as imbalances can lead to severe conditions such as dehydration, edema, or cardiac arrhythmias. This topic explores the mechanisms of fluid distribution, electrolyte functions, and the body’s regulatory systems that keep these essential elements in harmony.

    8.1 Topic Learning Outcomes 

    By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

    8.1.1 Explain water and electrolyte balance and discuss the importance of this balance
    8.1.2 Describe the distribution of body fluid
    8.1.3 Explain the regulation of water input and output
    8.1.4 Explain the regulation of electrolyte input and output

    8.2 List of Subtopics 
    8.2.1 Introduction to Water and Electrolyte 
    8.2.2 Importance of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
    8.2.3 Fluid Composition
    8.2.4 Regulation of Water Intake & Output
    8.2.5 Altered Fluid Balance
    8.2.6 Electrolyte Imbalance
    8.2.7 Electrolyte Disorder

    8.3 Video Lecture
    Watch the video assigned for this topic: Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid Base Balance (Part 1)


    (Duration: 15:03 mins)

    • 8.4 Lecture Slide File

      For further details, consult the accompanying lecture slides and recommended readings

    • 8.5 Tutorial : Fluid & Electrolyte Quest: The Missing Words Adventure! Interactive Content

      Instruction: Drag and drop the words into their appropriate sections.

    • 8.6 Online Group Discussion Forum
      Topic: Fluid & Electrolyte Balance

      Objective:       Collaborate in small groups to discuss key questions about fluid & electrolyte balance, ensuring clear explanations and respectful dialogue.

      Instruction: Divide among yourself into groups. Each group picks ONE (1) of the listed subtopics. Discuss within your group members based on the following subtopics. Aim for clear, creative, concise answers with examples, where needed.

      Subtopics:

      • "ADH: The Thirst Whisperer" (How ADH regulates water balance)

      • "Electrolyte Buffet" (Top food sources for Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺)

      • "Edema Detective" (Causes and treatments of pitting edema)

      • "The pH Files" (How kidneys/lungs balance acid-base)

      • "Dehydration vs. Overload: Spot the Difference" (Case comparisons)