1. A substance which, in solution, is dissociated into ions and is capable of conducting an electric current; such as, the circulating ions of plasma and other body fluids.
2. In the body, any ion in cells, blood, or other organic material.

Electrolytes help to control fluid levels in the body, maintain normal pH levels, and ensure the correct electric potential between nerve cells which enables the transmission of nerve signals.

Sodium, potassium,chloride, calcium, and phosphate are examples of electrolytes, informally known as lytes.

Electrolyte replacement is needed when a patient has prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and as a response to strenuous athletic activity.

Commercial electrolyte solutions are available, particularly for sick children (solutions; such as, Pedialygte) and athletes (sports drinks; such as, Gatorade). Electrolyte monitoring is also important in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia

A solution that produces both hydrogen and hydroxyl ions.

1. A liquid, paste, or other conducting medium in a battery, in which the flow of electric current takes place by the migration of ions.
2. A substance that, in solution, conducts an electric current and is decomposed by its passage.

Acids, bases, and salts are common electrolytes.

A battery that has an immobilized electrolyte which is gelled or absorbed in a material.

Dilute sulfuric acid used in storage batteries.

A nursing outcome from the Nursing Outcomes Classification, NOC, defined as a balance of electrolytes and non-electrolytes in the intracellular and extracellular compartments of the body.

The equilibrium or balance between the amounts of electrolytes in the body; such as, calcium, sodium, and potassium; all of which are essential for normal health and functioning.

Serum concentrations of an electrolyte which are either higher or lower than normal.

The promotion of electrolyte balance and the prevention of complications resulting from abnormal or undesired serum electrolyte levels.

A collection and analysis of patient data to regulate electrolyte balances.

Any solution containing electrolytes prepared for oral, parenteral, or rectal administration for the replacement or supplementation of ions necessary for homeostasis.

The loss of potassium ion by vomiting, by diarrhea, or the action of certain medications, including diuretics and corticosteroids, may be corrected by administering a solution high in potassium.

1. A reserve battery with an aqueous electrolyte kept in a separate chamber, from which a mechanism forces it into the cells of the battery for activation.
2. A reserve battery in which an aqueous electrolyte is stored in a separate chamber, and a mechanism, which may be operated from a remote location, drives the electrolyte out of the reservoir and into the cells of the battery for activation.

Fuel cell which operates on hydrogen and oxygen in the air, similar to the standard hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell with the exception that the liquid electrolyte is replaced by an ion-exchange membrane.

Operation is at atmospheric pressure and room temperature.

1. A combination of thermal cells.
2. A voltage source consisting of a number of bimetallic junctions connected to produce a voltage when heated by a flame.
3. A high-temperature, molten-salt primary battery in which the electrolyte is a solid, non-conducting inorganic salt at ambient temperatures.d

When power is required, an internal pyrotechnic heat source is ignited to melt the solid electrolyte which allows electricity to be generated electrochemically for periods from a few seconds to an hour.

This process is often used for military applications; such as, missiles, torpedoes, and space missions.