CHAPTER 100 ■ RENAL AND ELECTROLYTE EMERGENCIES RON L KAPLAN, REBEKAH BURNS GOALS OF EMERGENCY CARE Fluid imbalances, electrolyte abnormalities, and renal insufficiency are associated with a wide variety of conditions encountered in the pediatric emergency department (ED) Severe derangements of electrolytes and renal function can lead to significant morbidity and mortality Prompt recognition and appropriate management is necessary to ensure adequate circulating volume and prevent serious sequelae related to electrolyte and acid–base disturbances Overly rapid correction of some electrolyte abnormalities may result in devastating consequences, so care must be taken in the management of these conditions Patients with renal insufficiency may present with overall fluid overload but intravascular depletion, making fluid resuscitation challenging KEY POINTS