Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fluid and electrolyte balance, including definitions of various conditions and physiological mechanisms.

Hypertonic solution

A solution that causes fluid to move out of cells, often used for conditions like cerebral edema.

Hypotonic solution

A solution that causes fluid to move into cells, can dilute sodium in the bloodstream.

Isotonic solution

A solution that stays in the vascular space, used for maintenance and expansion of fluid volume.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that promotes water retention by the kidneys, increasing blood volume.

Aldosterone

A hormone that promotes sodium retention and, consequently, fluid retention.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by sodium levels less than 135, often causing neurological symptoms.

Hypernatremia

A condition characterized by sodium levels over 145, often leading to dehydration symptoms.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration.

Hypokalemia

A condition defined by potassium levels less than 3.5, causing muscle weakness and irregular pulses.

Hyperkalemia

A condition characterized by potassium levels over 5.0, potentially leading to serious cardiac issues.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels, defined as below 9, can cause neuromuscular excitability and other symptoms.

Hypercalcemia

Elevated calcium levels, above 10.5, may result in decreased neuromuscular excitability.

PH scale

A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, with normal blood pH ranging from 7.35 to 7.45.

Acidosis

A condition occurring when pH falls below 7.35, often due to high carbon dioxide or acid levels.

Alkalosis

A condition occurring when pH rises above 7.45, often due to loss of carbon dioxide or excess bicarbonate.

Fluid balance\n\n

The equilibrium between the intake and output of fluids in the body, critical for maintaining health.\n\n

Sodium excretion\n\n

The process by which the kidneys filter sodium from the blood, influencing blood pressure and fluid balance.\n\n

Kidney function\n\n

The process by which the kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, filter waste, and maintain blood pressure.\n\n

Dehydration\n\n

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body water, often leading to symptoms like thirst, confusion, and reduced urine output.\n\n

Edema\n\n

A condition characterized by excess fluid accumulation in bodily tissues, often seen with heart or kidney issues.\n\n

Antidiuretic effect\n\n

The process by which ADH reduces urine production, promoting water retention and increasing blood volume.\n\n

Hyperosmolarity\n\n

A condition where the osmolarity of body fluids is elevated, often due to dehydration or high solute levels.\n\n

Osmoregulation\n\n

The process by which organisms regulate the concentration of solutes in their body fluids to maintain homeostasis.\n\n

Hypervolemia\n\n

A condition characterized by an excess of blood volume, often leading to increased blood pressure and swelling.\n\n

Hypovolemia\n\n

A condition resulting from diminished blood volume, can lead to shock and inadequate perfusion of tissues.\n\n

Diuretics\n\n

Medications or substances that promote the elimination of water from the body through urine, commonly used to treat high blood pressure.\n\n

Plasma osmolarity\n\n

A measure of the concentration of solutes in plasma, important for assessing hydration status and kidney function.\n\n

Fluid Overload\n\n

A condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate excess fluid, leading to potential complications like heart failure.\n\n

Urine Concentration\n\n

The process by which the kidneys adjust the concentration of solutes in urine, influenced by hydration levels and hormonal signals.\n\n