Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fluid and electrolyte balance, focusing on definitions and concepts important for understanding physiological processes and clinical implications.

Thirst Mechanism

A physiological response regulated by the hypothalamus that triggers the sensation of thirst when body fluids are low.

Electrolytes

Substances that dissociate in water to form ions, essential for maintaining homeostasis, acid-base balance, and regulating fluid balance.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Isotonic solution

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as another solution, preventing fluid shifts across cell membranes.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to cellular swelling as water enters the cell.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to shrink as water exits the cell.

Third spacing

The accumulation of fluid in spaces that are not easily exchanged with the vascular system, such as in the abdominal cavity.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone released to promote water retention by the kidneys during dehydration.

Aldosterone

Hormone that promotes sodium retention in the kidneys, thereby increasing water retention and blood pressure.

SIADH

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, causing excessive retention of water and dilutional hyponatremia.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by insufficient ADH secretion, leading to polyuria and polydipsia.

Skin Turgor

A measure of skin elasticity; poor skin turgor indicates dehydration.

Urine Specific Gravity

A measure of urine concentration that indicates hydration status; higher values suggest dehydration.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood, often causing symptoms such as confusion and seizures.

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood, leading to excessive thirst and irritability.

Fluid Volume Deficit

A condition where fluid intake does not meet the body's needs, leading to dehydration.

Fluid Volume Overload

A condition characterized by excess fluid in the body, often leading to edema and high blood pressure.

Insensible Losses

Fluid losses that are not easily measured, such as those from perspiration and respiration.

Sensible Losses

Fluid losses that can be measured, including urine output and gastrointestinal fluid loss.

Potassium

An essential electrolyte that has a significant role in maintaining heart function; imbalances can cause arrhythmias.

Calcium

An essential mineral important for bone health and muscle function; hypocalcemia can lead to muscle spasms.

Magnesium

An electrolyte crucial for muscle relaxation and function; imbalances can affect cardiac and muscle performance.

Fluid shifts

Movements of fluid between body compartments, influenced by osmotic and hydrostatic pressures.

Crystalloids

Soluble substances that can pass through a semipermeable membrane; examples include sodium and glucose.

Colloids

Substances that do not readily dissolve, such as proteins, affecting osmotic pressure in the vascular space.