Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances Lecture Review

A set of 30 vocabulary flashcards covering laboratory values, clinical signs, and definitions for fluid and electrolyte imbalances based on the lecture transcript.

Sodium (NA+)

A serum electrolyte with a normal laboratory range of $136$ to $145\,mEq/L$.

Potassium (K+)

A serum electrolyte with a normal laboratory range of $3.5$ to $5\,mEq/L$.

Calcium Total (CA++)

A serum electrolyte check with a normal laboratory range of $9.0$ to $10.5\,mg/dL$.

Magnesium (MG++)

A serum electrolyte with a normal laboratory range of $1.3$ to $2.1\,mEq/L$.

Phosphorus (PO4)

A serum electrolyte with a normal laboratory range of $3.0$ to $4.5\,mg/dL$.

Chloride (CL)

A serum electrolyte with a normal laboratory range of $98$ to $106\,mEq/L$.

Specific Gravity

A measure of urine concentration with a normal range of $1.005-1.030$.

Creatinine

A laboratory value used to assess renal function with normal ranges of $0.6-1.2\,mg/dL$ for males and $0.5-1.1\,mg/dL$ for females.

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen, which has a normal laboratory range of $10-20\,mg/dL$.

Fluid and Electrolytes Concept

The process of regulating extracellular fluid volume, body fluid osmolality, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes.

Optimal Osmolality

A concentration of body fluids measured at $280-300\,mosmol/kg$ with a corresponding Sodium level of $135-145\,mEq/L$.

Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)

Also known as dehydration, characterized by an actual decrease in total body water due to inadequate intake or excessive loss.

Hypovolemia

A decrease in circulating blood volume in the vascular space and concentration of plasma, which can lead to impaired perfusion and shock.

Third Spacing

The shift of fluid from the vascular space into areas such as the abdomen, pleural space, or interstitial tissues, making it unavailable for normal physiologic processes.

Colloids IV

Intravenous fluids containing larger non-water-soluble molecules that increase osmotic pressure in the plasma volume.

Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)

Also known as overhydration, it involves fluid intake or retention that is greater than the body's needs, often leading to hypervolemia.

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone, where ADH is released despite normal or low osmolality, causing water retention, dilution hyponatremia, and concentrated urine.

Hyponatremia

A sodium imbalance where the level is less than $135\,mEq/L$ and the serum is too dilute ($Osm < 280\,mosmol/kg$).

Hypernatremia

A sodium level greater than $145\,mEq/L$ or osmolality greater than $300\,mosmol/kg$, causing cellular dehydration as fluid shifts out of the cells.

Hypokalemia

A potassium level less than $3.5\,mEq/L$, often resulting in skeletal muscle weakness, constipation, and the appearance of U waves on an ECG.

Hyperkalemia

A potassium level greater than $5.0\,mEq/L$, which slows muscle and heart function while speeding up the GI tract, characterized by tall, peaked T waves.

Hypocalcemia

A calcium level less than $9.0\,mg/dL$, leading to increased neuromuscular excitability, tetany, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs.

Hypercalcemia

A calcium level greater than $10.5\,mg/dL$, which reduces the excitability of muscles and nerves and is most commonly caused by hyperparathyroidism.

Hypomagnesemia

A magnesium level less than $1.3\,mEq/L$, which can cause tremors, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and ventricular dysrhythmias like Torsades de Pointes.

Hypermagnesemia

A magnesium level greater than $2.1\,mEq/L$, typically caused by renal impairment and resulting in absent deep tendon reflexes and respiratory depression.

Trousseau Sign

A clinical indicator of hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia observed as carpal spasm after a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure for $2\,minutes$.

Chvostek Sign

A clinical indicator defined as facial twitching of the mouth, nose, and cheek when the facial nerve below the ear is tapped.

Digoxin Toxicity Risks

A clinical concern where the risk of toxicity is increased by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypercalcemia.

IV Potassium Safety

A high-alert medication rule stating potassium must be diluted and infused at $5$ to $10\,mEq/hr$, and must NEVER be given by IV push.

Kayexalate (Patiromer)

An oral medication used in hyperkalemia treatment that binds with potassium in the GI tract to decrease absorption.