Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid/Base Balance

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.

Fluid Balance

The equilibrium between fluid intake and fluid output.

Electrolyte Balance

The maintenance of proper concentrations of ions in body fluids.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within the body.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside cells, accounting for approximately 2/3 of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside cells, consisting of plasma, interstitial fluid, and other fluids.

Dehydration

A condition that occurs when body fluid levels drop below normal.

Edema

An accumulation of interstitial fluid leading to swelling.

Renin-Angiotensin System

A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that promotes water retention in the kidneys and helps to concentrate urine.

Aldosterone

A hormone that increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by a lower than normal pH of the blood.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a higher than normal pH of the blood.

Chemical Buffer Systems

Systems in the body that help maintain pH by neutralizing acids and bases.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition in which there is too much acid in the body due to metabolic processes.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition that arises from poor gas exchange in the lungs leading to increased CO2 levels.

Sensible Water Loss

Water loss that can be measured, such as through urine and feces.

Insensible Water Loss

Water loss that cannot be measured, such as through evaporation from the skin or breathing.

Fluid Sequestration

An abnormal distribution of body fluids.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

A major chemical buffering system in the body that uses bicarbonate ions to regulate pH.

Physiological Buffering Systems

Regulatory systems that involve organs, such as lungs and kidneys, to maintain acid-base balance.

Hydrogen Ions (H+)

Ions that contribute to the acidity of solutions and are regulated in the body to maintain pH.