Body Fluid Compartments, Electrolytes, and IV Therapy Principles

What are the two compartments of body fluid?

Intracellular space (ICS) and extracellular space (ECS).

What percentage of body fluid is found in the intracellular space?

Approximately 2/3 of body fluid.

What percentage of body fluid is found in the extracellular space?

Approximately 1/3 of body fluid.

What are the three divisions of extracellular fluid (ECF)?

Intravascular space, interstitial space, and transcellular space.

What is third spacing in relation to fluid balance?

Fluid that accumulates in a space that does not contribute to equilibrium between ICS and ECS.

What are the major cations in body fluids?

Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), and hydrogen (H+).

What are the major anions in body fluids?

Chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), phosphate (PO43−), sulfate (SO42−), and proteinate ions.

How do the electrolyte concentrations in intracellular fluid (ICF) differ from those in extracellular fluid (ECF)?

ICF has high concentrations of potassium and phosphate, while ECF has a low concentration of potassium.

What is osmosis?

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

What is the difference between osmolality and osmolarity?

Osmolality is expressed as milliosmoles per kilogram (mOsm/kg), while osmolarity is expressed as milliosmoles per liter (mOsm/L).

What is the purpose of isotonic IV fluids?

To expand the intravascular volume without causing cells to shrink or swell.

What are common isotonic IV solutions?

0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline) and Lactated Ringer's (LR).

What is the purpose of hypotonic IV fluids?

To replace cellular fluid and provide free water for excretion of body wastes.

What can happen when hypotonic fluids are administered?

They can lead to intravascular fluid depletion and cellular edema.

What is the purpose of hypertonic IV fluids?

To draw fluid from the intracellular space to the extracellular space.

What are potential complications of IV therapy?

Local infiltration, extravasation, hematoma, and phlebitis.

What is local infiltration in IV therapy?

Unintentional administration of a non-vesicant solution into surrounding tissue.

What is extravasation in IV therapy?

Inadvertent administration of a vesicant solution into surrounding tissue.

What is phlebitis?

Inflammation of a vein, which can be caused by various factors including mechanical irritation.

What factors should be considered when selecting a site for venipuncture?

Condition of the vein, type of fluid or medication, duration of therapy, patient's age and size, and medical history.

What is the role of sodium in body fluid regulation?

Sodium helps regulate the volume of body fluid; retention is associated with fluid retention.

What is the significance of potassium in the extracellular fluid?

ECF has a low concentration of potassium and can tolerate only small changes in its levels.

What is the primary goal of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance?

To achieve homeostasis within the body.

What should be monitored in patients receiving isotonic IV fluids?

Signs of fluid overload, especially in patients with hypertension and heart failure.