Lecture Notes on Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Chapter 20

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to fluid and electrolyte balance, including various conditions and physiological concepts.

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low blood sodium.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid residing between cells inside tissues; a component of extracellular fluid.

Intracellular fluid

Body fluid residing inside of cells.

Physiological buffers

Use the respiratory and urinary systems to alter the output of acids, bases, or CO2 to stabilize pH.

Transcellular fluid

Miscellaneous extracellular fluid that includes cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid in the joints, vitreous and aqueous humors of the eye, and digestive secretions.

Turgor

Elasticity of the skin.

Volume depletion

Results from blood loss or when both sodium and water is lost, such as from diarrhea.

Water intoxication

May occur when someone consumes an excessive amount of water or when someone replaces heavy losses of water and sodium with just water.

Acidosis

A decrease in the pH of the blood as a result of an accumulation of acids; may result from respiratory or metabolic disturbances.

Alkalosis

An increase in the pH of the blood as a result of a loss of acid; may result from respiratory or metabolic disturbances.

Anion

Ion with a negative charge.

Buffers

Mechanisms employed by the body to keep acids and bases in balance.

Cation

Ion with a positive charge.

Chemical buffers

Use a chemical to bind H+ and remove it from solution when levels are too high and to release H+ when levels fall; include the bicarbonate buffer system, the phosphate buffer system, and the protein buffer system.

Dehydration

A fluid deficiency resulting from the loss of more water than sodium.

Edema

Accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces.

Electrolytes

Substances that break up into electrically charged particles called ions when dissolved in water.

Extracellular fluid

Body fluid residing outside of cells.

Hypercalcemia

An excessive concentration of calcium in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

An excessive concentration of potassium in the blood.

Hypernatremia

An excessive concentration of sodium in the blood.

Hypocalcemia

Abnormally low blood calcium.