Fluid Electrolyte Management Basics

This module introduces the foundational concepts of fluid physiology essential for nursing practice. Learners will explore how total body water (TBW) is distributed throughout the body, distinguishing between intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF) compartments, including interstitial and intravascular spaces. The module covers the three primary mechanisms of fluid movement: osmosis (the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from low to high solute concentration), diffusion (the movement of solutes from high to low concentration), and filtration (the movement of fluid driven by hydrostatic pressure). Special attention is given to osmolarity, oncotic pressure, and hydrostatic pressure as forces governing fluid distribution.