Body Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance Lecture

Practice flashcards covering body fluid distribution, transport mechanisms, hormonal regulation of blood volume, electrolyte functions, and acid-base balance principles.

Intracellular

Meaning "inside cell," this refers to the space where two-thirds of the body fluids are found.

Extracellular

Meaning "outside externally from the cell," this refers to the space where one-third of the body fluids are found.

Diffusion

The process where particles disperse or spread out, moving from a crowded area to a least crowded area (high to low concentration).

Filtration

The movement of fluid driven by pressure or force.

Osmosis

The movement involving only water ($H_2O$) moving across a membrane.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that signals the kidneys to reabsorb and save water, thereby increasing blood pressure and blood volume.

Aldosterone

A hormone released by the adrenal cortex that signals the kidneys to reabsorb sodium ($Na^+$), which increases blood volume and pressure as water follows the salt.

ANF (Atrial Natriuretic Factor)

A substance released by the heart when the atria are stretched due to high blood pressure or fluid overload; it triggers the kidneys to excrete water and salt.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition associated with fluid volume overload, increased blood pressure, and edema, often characterized by "crackles" in the lungs and bounding pulses.

$$30\,ml/hr$$

The expected minimum hourly urine output for a patient.

Weight Change Reporting Thresholds

Criteria for reporting to a provider, specifically a $2\,lb$ increase within $24\,hours$ or a $5\,lb$ increase within one week ($7$ days).

Sodium ($Na^+$)

The electrolyte that determines extracellular fluid volume and controls fluid distribution throughout the body.

Potassium ($K^+$)

A critical electrolyte that affects heart rhythm; imbalances can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Magnesium ($Mg$)

An electrolyte that contributes to bone structure, heart muscle, and nerve cell function, and helps lower blood pressure.

Chloride ($Cl^-$)

An electrolyte found in interstitial fluid, lymph, sweat, and digestive juices.

Phosphorus

An essential element for all body tissues (red blood cells and muscle cells) used in energy exchange and as part of the acid-base buffering system.

Normal Blood pH Range

The physiological range between $7.35$ and $7.45$.

Acidosis

A state where the blood pH is below $7.35$.

Alkalosis

A state where the blood pH is above $7.45$.

Respiratory Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of pH involving the lungs and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$); slow breathing increases $CO_2$ (acidosis), while fast breathing decreases $CO_2$ (alkalosis).

Metabolic Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of pH involving the kidneys, hydrogen ($H^+$), and bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$).

RAAS System

An acronym for the system (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) where Angiotensin tightens blood vessels and Aldosterone saves salt to increase blood pressure.