FLUID & ELECTROLYTE BALANCE

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms from the Fluid & Electrolyte Balance notes, including major electrolytes, normal ranges, roles, and common disorders.

Fluid & Electrolyte Balance

Body fluid regulation is vital for life; balance is maintained through water and electrolyte movement and is restored after dehydration, hypovolemia, or hypervolemia by oral or IV fluids, electrolytes, or blood products.

Major Electrolytes

Key minerals essential for fluid balance and function: potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+).

Potassium (K+)

Major intracellular cation; normal serum range 3.5–5 mEq/L; crucial for nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Sodium (Na+)

Major extracellular cation; normal serum range 136–145 mEq/L; essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

Calcium (Ca2+

Major extracellular cation; normal serum range 9–10.5 mg/dL; important for bones, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Major intracellular cation; normal serum range 1.3–2.1 mEq/L; supports numerous enzymatic reactions and muscle function.

Role of Electrolytes

Maintain water balance; regulate acid-base (pH) balance; transport nutrients and wastes; support function of muscle, heart, nerves, and brain.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium in the blood; can cause muscle weakness and may lead to arrhythmias; described as mild or severe.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium in the blood; can cause dangerous arrhythmias and may be life-threatening in severe cases.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium in the blood; can cause fatigue and other symptoms; severity ranges from mild to potentially serious.

Hypernatremia

High sodium in the blood; can lead to dehydration and neurological symptoms.

Electrolyte/Fluid Restoration

Imbalances are treated by restoring fluids and electrolytes (and blood products when needed) through oral intake or IV therapy.