Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

This set of flashcards covers essential terms and concepts regarding fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in the human body, as discussed in the lecture.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of the appropriate amount of water in the body's cells and surrounding spaces.

Electrolytes

Mineral salts in the body fluids that carry an electric charge and are essential for various bodily functions.

Acid-Base Balance

The regulation of the pH level in the body fluids to maintain homeostasis.

Dehydration

A condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a deficit in fluid balance.

Hypervolemia

An excess of fluid in the body, often leading to complications such as heart failure and pulmonary edema.

Hypovolemia

A decreased volume of circulating blood in the body, which can result from excessive fluid loss.

Pitting Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid in the tissue, characterized by a depression that remains after pressure is applied.

Serum Electrolyte Level

The measurement of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the blood to assess fluid and electrolyte balance.

Sodium ($Na^{+}$) Normal Range

135 to 145 \text{ mEq/L}

Potassium ($K^{+}$) Normal Range

3.5 to 5.0 \text{ mEq/L}

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) Normal Range

8.5 to 10.5 \text{ mg/dL}

Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$) Normal Range

1.5 to 2.5 \text{ mEq/L}

Chloride ($Cl^{-}$) Normal Range

98 to 106 \text{ mEq/L}

Phosphate ($PO_{4}^{3-}$) Normal Range

2.5 to 4.5 \text{ mg/dL}

Total Parental Nutrition (TPN)

Nutritional therapy delivered intravenously, used when the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Tests measuring the acidity (pH), levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and electrolytes in the blood to assess gas exchange and metabolic status.

Calcium Imbalance

Alterations in calcium levels in the body that can affect nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Potassium Imbalance

Abnormal levels of potassium in the body that can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition characterized by an increase in acid or a decrease in base in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

Cardiovascular Changes

Alterations in heart and blood vessel function, commonly assessed during fluid overload situations.

Nursing Diagnosis

A clinical judgment about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes.

Interventions for Fluid Imbalance

Actions taken to restore fluid balance and promote patient safety and comfort.

Daily Weights

Routine measurements of a patient's weight to monitor fluid balance, especially in cases of dehydration or fluid overload.