Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining various physiological functions, particularly in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are essential for regulating fluid balance in the body, as they help to manage the distribution of fluids between compartments within the body. An imbalance in electrolytes can lead to issues such as edema or dehydration.

Additionally, electrolytes are critical for normal nerve function. They facilitate the transmission of electrical impulses along nerves, which is necessary for muscle contraction and overall neuromuscular activity. In CKD, the kidneys may struggle to regulate these electrolyte levels properly, leading to complications such as hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) or hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which can have severe health implications.

Thus, maintaining appropriate electrolyte levels is crucial in CKD management to ensure both proper fluid balance and optimal nerve function, preventing further complications associated with these imbalances.