To maintain homeostasis or stable internal equilibrium of physiological processes, the body must maintain appropriate balances of fluids, electrolytes, pH, acids, and bases The movement of fluid between intracellular and extracellular compartments is governed by several mechanisms, including hydrostatic pressure, oncotic pressure, and osmosis

The body has many internal mechanisms in place that attempt to compensate for fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances When the body’s compensatory mechanisms are not able to completely correct these imbalances, medical intervention is warranted

acid — byproduct of many metabolic processes in the body and forms hydrogen ions (H + ) when dissolved in water. base — forms hydroxide (OH - ) ions when dissolved in water. hypovolemia — state that occurs when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake, resulting in a deficient volume of fluid. pH — value that explains how much hydrogen is contained within a liquid and the activity of the hydrogen ion.