The nurse plans care for the postoperative client. Which does the nurse use to plan the client's nursing care for fluid and electrolyte balance on the first postoperative day?

Question

1. Retains water and electrolytes
2. Eliminates large volume of water
3. Excretes large amounts of sodium
4. Varies with fluid and sodium intake

Answer 1

1
1. In the first 24 hours after surgery, the client conserves fluid and electrolytes to maintain the blood pressure with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Renin release from the kidneys stimulates the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II vasoconstricts and stimulates the release of aldosterone, the sodium conserving hormone; because where sodium goes, water follows; the system retains fluid to increase the total fluid volume and increase the blood pressure.
2. The client conserves water initially.
3. The client conserves sodium initially.
4. The fluid and electrolyte administration can affect the client's fluid volume status but, within limitations, the client maintains the blood pressure with compensatory mechanisms.