Introduction to Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders

Practice flashcards covering the introductory concepts of edema, thirst disorders, ADH regulation, and types of diuretics based on the lecture transcript.

What does the term 'effusion' refer to?

The movement of fluid out of blood vessels into body cavities.

What is 'Anasarca'?

A generalized edema that can be widespread and extreme.

What is 'hydroperitoneum' and what is its common name?

Excessive fluid in the peritoneal cavity, commonly called ascites.

In terms of spacing, what is the 'first space'?

The blood compartment or the intravascular compartment.

In terms of spacing, what is the 'third space'?

Fluid in places that don't normally contain much fluid, such as body cavities, muscle compartments, the ear, the eye, and the joints.

What is 'transudate'?

A non-inflammatory edema fluid that is light, has less protein and fewer cells, and results from changes in hydrostatic or osmotic pressure.

What is 'exudate'?

An edema fluid that occurs as a result of inflammation, characterized by higher protein content and more cells.

What are the four primary causes of edema?

Increased capillary filtration pressure, decreased capillary colloidal osmotic pressure, increased capillary permeability, and obstruction of lymph flow.

What can cause increased capillary filtration (hydrostatic) pressure?

Increased arterial pressure, increased venous pressure, and increased blood volume.

How do calcium channel blocking drugs contribute to edema?

They decrease the resistance of arterioles and the precapillary sphincters, delivering more fluid to the interstitial spaces from the arterial ends.

Name three examples of conditions that increase venous pressure leading to edema.

Liver disease (portal vein obstruction), heart failure (blood pooling), and veinous thrombus (blood clot in a vein).

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for exerting the osmotic force needed to pull fluid back into capillaries?

Albumin.

What causes decreased capillary colloidal osmotic pressure due to a loss of plasma proteins?

Kidney disease or severe extensive burns.

What causes decreased production of plasma proteins?

Liver disease and starvation.

What is 'lymphedema'?

Edema that is due to impaired lymph flow.

On the pitting edema scale, what characterizes a grade '3'?

An indentation that lasts thirty seconds.

What is 'paracentesis'?

The process of taking a large needle, inserting it into the area of edema, and withdrawing fluid.

What is 'hypodipsia'?

A decreased ability to sense thirst, which can be due to hypothalamus lesions, head trauma, stroke, or dementia.

What are the two types of diabetes insipidus?

Neurogenic diabetes insipidus (defect in ADH synthesis or release) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (kidneys can't respond properly to ADH).

What are the characteristics of Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH)?

Increased ADH secretion, water retention, and hyponatremia.

What does the term 'hypovolemia' refer to in the context of isotonic fluid volume deficit?

A loss of both sodium and water that affects blood volume.

What is 'oliguria'?

A decrease in urine output.

What is 'decreased skin turgor'?

Reduced skin elasticity where the skin does not return to its normal shape quickly after being pinched.

Which class of diuretics inhibits sodium reabsorption at the distal convoluted tubule and includes hydrochlorothiazide?

Thiazide diuretics.

What is a key benefit of potassium sparing diuretics?

They increase urine output by inhibiting sodium reabsorption but do not promote the loss of potassium.

How do loop acting diuretics like 'gyrosamide' function?

They are very strong diuretics that inhibit sodium and potassium reabsorption by affecting the nephron loops.

What is the mechanism of osmotic diuretics such as Mannitol?

They increase the osmolality of blood, causing body fluid compartments to expand and leading to impaired urine concentration.