1. Water and electrolyte balance in the body: Definition of key terms; F luid distribution within the body compartments; Electrolyte balance in b ody fluid; Water balance and its importance; Ways in which fluid is lost from the body; Ways in which fluid is taken into the body; Normal fluid requirements; 2. Assessment of fluid balance: Definition of key terms; Causes of dehydration; Causes of hypovolaemia; Clinical signs of dehydra tion; Ways of assessing dehydration and hypovolaemia; 3. Acid base bala nce: Significance of acid base balance to the animal; How the body maint ains its pH; How changes to the body?s pH arise; Causes of metabolic aci dosis/alkalosis and respiratory acidosis/alkalosis; 4. Types of fluid av ailable: List of fluids available in the UK; List of constituents in eac h fluid; How fluids differ from each other and why this is significant; 5. Blood administration: When administration of blood is indicated; Bloo d collection; Blood typing; Storage of blood; Blood volume; Blood transf usions; Plasma/blood products; 6. When to use each fluid: Shock ? defini tion and types of shock; Common conditions and when to use each fluid ? tion and types of shock; Common conditions and when to use each fluid -
