Electrolyte balance is important for maintenance of proper cardiac function. The nurse should be alert to changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) which can indicate electrolyte imbalance; OR if an imbalance is present already, the nurse should investigate the possible ramifications to the ECG.
If you are a nurse in a critical care area, you already know the rapidity with which these changes can occur. If you are a med/surg nurse, or other specialty nurse, be aware of imbalance which can happen slowly. Due to the insidious nature of most electrolyte problems, you must prevent it from becoming severe.
