What are electrolytes primarily composed of?

Electrolytes are primarily composed of charged particles in solutions, which include ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. These ions are essential for conducting electrical impulses in the body and play a critical role in various physiological functions, including maintaining fluid balance, acid-base balance, and nerve conduction.

In a solution, electrolytes dissociate into these charged ions, allowing them to carry electrical charge, which is vital for the proper function of muscles and nerves. The presence of these charged particles is what distinguishes electrolytes from other types of substances in the body, such as neutral particles, proteins, and carbohydrates, which do not dissociate into ions. Understanding the role of electrolytes in maintaining homeostasis is critical in fields such as nursing and healthcare, especially when managing IV therapy and fluid balances in patients.