regulation of sodium and potassium

What factors influence sodium concentration in interstitial fluid and potassium concentration in intracellular fluid?

The amount of ADH and aldosterone secreted.

What role does ADH play in electrolyte concentration?

ADH regulates extracellular fluid electrolyte concentration and colloid osmotic pressure by influencing the amount of water reabsorbed by renal tubules.

How does aldosterone affect sodium levels in the body?

Aldosterone regulates extracellular fluid volume by controlling the amount of sodium reabsorbed into blood by renal tubules.

What can happen during elevated temperatures or fever regarding sodium?

Sodium lost in sweat can become appreciable, leading to thirst that replaces water but not sodium, potentially diluting the remaining sodium pool.

How much sodium is secreted into alimentary tract fluids daily?

Between 1200 and 1400 mEq.

What is the total body sodium pool in a 70-kilogram adult?

Approximately 2800 to 3000 mEq.

What is the significance of chloride in the body?

Chloride is the most important extracellular anion and is usually linked to sodium, contributing to the isotonic behavior of extracellular fluid.

What is hypochloremia and its common cause?

Hypochloremia is chloride deficiency, often found in cases of potassium loss.

What is the average total body potassium content in an adult?

Approximately 4000 mEq.

Why might plasma potassium levels not reflect total body potassium status?

The majority of body potassium is intracellular, and significant intracellular potassium loss may occur before plasma levels drop.

Under what conditions does potassium deficit, or hypokalemia, occur?

Hypokalemia occurs during cell breakdown, such as in starvation, burns, trauma, or dehydration.