Fluid Balance Concepts

Flashcards about fluid balance concepts, including fluid overload and fluid volume deficit.

Fluid Overload

Excess fluid in the body due to excessive intake or inadequate excretion.

Heart Failure (Fluid Overload Cause)

A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to fluid retention.

Renal Failure (Fluid Overload Cause)

A condition where the kidneys lose their ability to remove excess fluid and electrolytes from the body.

Liver Cirrhosis (Fluid Overload Cause)

Scarring of the liver that can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and extremities.

Edema

Swelling in extremities, a sign of fluid overload.

Jugular Venous Distension (JVD)

Visible distension of neck veins, a sign of fluid overload.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

A hormone released in response to cardiac stretching, used to assess heart failure.

Diuretics

Medications (e.g., Furosemide) that promote excretion of excess fluid.

Fluid Volume Deficit

Insufficient fluid in the body due to inadequate intake or excessive loss.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume.

Oliguria

Decreased urine output, a sign of fluid volume deficit.

Urine Specific Gravity

A measure of urine concentration; increased levels indicate dehydration.

Isotonic Solutions

IV fluids (e.g., Normal Saline) that restore fluid volume.

Hypotonic Solutions

IV fluids (e.g., Half-Normal Saline) that rehydrate cells.

Hypertonic Solutions

IV fluids (e.g., D5NS) that expand plasma volume.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate.