UNIT 6 NURSING CARE OF CLIENTS WITH FLUID/ELECTROLYTE/ACID-BASE IMBALANCES CHAPTER 44 Electrolyte Imbalances Overview ● Electrolytes are minerals (sometimes called salts) that are present in all body fluids. They regulate fluid balance and hormone production, strengthen skeletal structures, and act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction, and the metabolism of nutrients. ● When dissolved in water or other solvent, electrolytes separate into ions and conduct either a positive...