Fluid Management & Blood Products Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to fluid management and blood products, including definitions and explanations of key terms.

Osmolality

Measurement of solute vs solvent.

Osmosis

Movement of liquids across a semi-permeable membrane.

Semi-Permeable Membrane

Membrane allowing a solvent to pass through it but not a solute.

Solute

Particle (such as a salt).

Solution

Solute and solvent mixed together.

Solvent

Liquid (such as water).

Tonicity

Measure of osmotic pressure between solutions.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid inside cells, accounting for 40% of body weight.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, comprising blood and interstitial fluid, accounting for 20% of body weight.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found in the spaces between cells, representing three-quarters of extracellular fluid.

Total Body Water (TBW)

Comprises 50% to 60% of body weight.

Synovial Fluid

Fluid in joints that lubricates and nourishes cartilage.

Saliva

Fluid that moistens food and begins digestion.

Urine

Liquid waste excreted by the kidneys.

Insensible Loss

Fluid loss through breathing, estimated at ~600-900 mL/day.

Dehydration

Loss of body fluids exceeding intake, leading to symptoms such as thirst and fatigue.

Crystalloids

Liquid solutions containing mineral salts that easily flow through semi-permeable membranes.

Colloids

Solutions with larger molecules used to expand plasma volume.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with high solute concentration that causes osmotic flow out of the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute and solvent concentrations that causes no osmotic flow.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with low solute concentration that causes osmotic flow into the cell.

Normal Saline (NS)

0.9% NaCl solution, used for fluid replacement.

Lactated Ringer's (LR)

An isotonic solution containing electrolytes close to natural blood composition.

D5W

5% dextrose in water, isotonic initially, becomes hypotonic after metabolism.

Fluid Loss

Normal fluid loss is through urine, sweating, and breath, totaling up to 2500 mL per day.

Fluid Overload

Condition resulting from excess fluid consumption leading to edema.

Transfusion Reaction

Adverse effects following the transfusion of blood products.

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC)

Concentrated red blood cells used to treat anemia and blood loss.

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

Blood component containing clotting factors used to promote coagulation.

Platelets

Cellular components of blood involved in clotting.

Albumin

Protein that increases the oncotic pressure of plasma, used for fluid volume expansion.

ABO System

Classification system of blood types based on antigens present.

Rh System

Classification based on the presence or absence of the D antigen on RBCs.

Intravenous Fluids

Fluids administered intravenously for hydration and volume replacement.

Infiltration

The leaking of IV fluid into surrounding tissue.

Extravasation

Leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissue, often causing damage.

Embolus

A blood clot or foreign material that travels through the bloodstream.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein with associated clot formation.

Fluid Shift

Movement of fluid between compartments in the body.

Oncotic Pressure

Pressure exerted by proteins in blood plasma to pull water into the circulatory system.

Electrolytes

Minerals in body fluids that have an electric charge.

Hypernatremia

High sodium concentration in the blood.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium concentration in the blood.

Acidosis

Condition due to excessive acidity in the blood and other body fluids.

Dehydration symptoms

Include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and dark urine.

Fluid replacement

Therapeutic approach to restore lost fluids and maintain hydration.

Severe hypoglycemia

Dangerously low blood sugar levels requiring urgent treatment.

Blood compatibility

The appropriateness of matching blood types for transfusions.

Signs of fluid overload

Includes weight gain, hypertension, and positive JVD.

Fluid management

Monitoring and administering fluids to maintain optimal body hydration.