Pathophysiology of Fluid Imbalances

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to fluid imbalances and their physiological implications, as discussed in the lecture.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid contained within cells; helps regulate cell function.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside the cells; includes interstitial fluid and plasma.

Interstitial fluid (ISF)

Fluid that surrounds and bathes cells - part of the extracellular fluid.

Osmosis

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

Diffusion

The movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pushing force exerted by water in the bloodstream, resulting from the heart’s pumping action.

Osmotic pressure

The pulling force exerted by solutes, such as electrolytes, that draws water into the bloodstream.

Hypoalbuminemia

A condition indicating low levels of albumin in the bloodstream, which leads to decreased oncotic pressure.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Osmolarity

The number of solute particles per liter of solution, important for maintaining fluid balance.

Tonicity

The comparison of solute concentrations of a solution to that of blood, affecting fluid movement.

Isotonic solution

A solution with the same tonicity as blood; for example, 0.9% NaCl.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with lower tonicity than blood; for example, 0.45% NaCl.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with higher tonicity than blood; for example, 3% NaCl.

Natriuresis

Excretion of a large amount of sodium and water by the kidneys in response to excess extracellular fluid volume.

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH)

A condition with excess antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leading to increased water reabsorption and dilutional hyponatremia.

Fluid volume excess (hypervolemia)

A state of increased fluid volume in the body, often leading to edema.

Fluid volume deficit (dehydration)

A condition characterized by diminished water volume in the body, causing cellular shrinkage.

Symptoms of dehydration

Signs include thirst, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, hypotension, and dark-colored urine.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.