Fluid and Electrolytes Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering fluid compartments, tonicity, regulatory systems, lab values, and electrolyte disorders.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

The fluid within cells, also known as cytosol, which accounts for two-thirds ($2/3$) of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

The fluid found outside of cells, accounting for one-third ($1/3$) of total body fluid; divided mainly into interstitial fluid ($80\%$) and plasma ($20\%$).

First Spacing

The normal distribution of both extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid throughout the body.

Third Spacing

Fluid accumulation in areas that normally have no fluid or a minimal amount of fluid, such as a joint or body cavity.

Isotonic Solution

A fluid solution that has the same solute concentration as another solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A fluid solution with a lower solute concentration than another solution.

Hypertonic Solution

A fluid solution with a higher concentration of solutes than another solution.

Insensible Fluid Loss

Body fluid loss that is not visible or measurable, occurring through the skin or respiration.

Sensible Fluid Loss

Body fluid loss that is measurable and visible, such as urine and feces.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A water-conserving hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored and released by the pituitary gland.

SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone)

An endocrine disorder characterized by excessive secretion of ADH, leading to water retention.

Diabetes Insipidus

An endocrine condition characterized by deficient production or release of ADH.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced in the adrenal gland that regulates sodium levels by enhancing sodium retention and potassium excretion.

Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA)

An area in the kidney that senses drops in blood pressure and secretes renin to initiate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Urine Specific Gravity

A laboratory measure of the kidneys' ability to excrete or conserve water, with a normal range of $1.010$ to $1.040$.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A renal function laboratory test with a normal range of $6$ to $20\,\text{mg/dL}$; elevated levels indicate hypovolemia and dehydration.

Creatinine

A renal function test used in conjunction with BUN to diagnose impaired renal function, with a normal value of $0.6$ to $1.2\,\text{mg/dL}$.

Water Deficit

Dehydration characterized by the loss of water only, or a relative decrease in water compared to sodium.

Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)

A fluid disturbance where water and electrolytes are decreased in equal proportion, primarily involving sodium.

Hypervolemia

Extracellular fluid excess characterized by an equal proportion increase of both water and electrolytes.

Hypernatremia

A high concentration of sodium in the blood defined by a serum sodium level greater than $145\,\text{mEq/L}$.

Hyponatremia

An abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood, with normal levels being $135$ to $145\,\text{mEq/L}$ and critical values below $120\,\text{mEq/L}$.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated serum potassium level exceeding $5.0\,\text{mEq/L}$, which can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

Hypokalemia

A serum potassium level below $3.5\,\text{mEq/L}$, commonly caused by GI losses, diuretic therapy, or metabolic alkalosis.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical assessment indicator of hypocalcemia elicited by tapping the facial nerve anterior to the earlobe, resulting in facial muscle twitching or spasm.

Trousseau's Sign

A diagnostic sign associated with hypocalcemia characterized by muscle spasms elicited during assessment.

Kayexalate

A medication administered to promote potassium elimination in the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Calcium Gluconate

An emergency treatment for severe hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia, which also acts as the antidote for magnesium overdose.