Video Notes: Fluid, Electrolyte Balance and ABGs (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, RAAS, ADH, CVP, BNP, ABG)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the video notes on fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance (ABGs).

Sodium

Primary extracellular cation; regulates osmolality and fluid balance; imbalances can cause dehydration or edema.

Potassium

Major intracellular cation essential for resting membrane potential and cardiac conduction; dysrhythmias with hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.

Magnesium

Intracellular cation important for enzymatic reactions and ion channel function; hypomagnesemia can cause dysrhythmias and interacts with potassium and calcium.

Calcium

Vital for cardiac conduction, muscle contraction, and bone health; dysrhythmias can occur with abnormal calcium levels; interacts with phosphorus.

Phosphorus

Inverse relationship with calcium; high phosphorus can lower calcium; found in dairy, beans, nuts; important for bone metabolism.

Albumin

Liver-produced protein that maintains intravascular oncotic pressure; low levels can cause edema and ascites.

Oncotic pressure

Osmotic pressure exerted by plasma proteins (notably albumin) that helps keep fluid in vessels.

Intravascular fluid

Fluid contained within blood vessels.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside cells; includes intravascular and interstitial compartments.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid between cells in tissues.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid inside cells.

Isotonic fluid

Fluid with the same osmolality as plasma; stays largely in the intravascular space and circulates evenly.

Hypotonic fluid

Fluid moves into cells from extracellular space, potentially causing cell swelling.

Hypertonic fluid

Fluid pulls water from cells into the extracellular space, potentially shrinking cells.

Third spacing

Fluid shifts into nonfunctional spaces (e.g., ascites, edema) away from the vascular compartment.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Hormonal cascade activated by hypovolemia; renin release leads to angiotensin II (vasoconstriction) and aldosterone (sodium and water retention).

Angiotensin II

Potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure and stimulates aldosterone release.

Aldosterone

Mineralocorticoid causing sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing blood volume.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone from the pituitary that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys; prevents diuresis.

SIADH

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone; excessive ADH leading to water retention and hyponatremia.

Diabetes insipidus (DI)

Insufficient ADH leading to high urine output and potential dehydration.

Central venous pressure (CVP)

Measurement of preload/volume status via a central venous line; low CVP indicates low volume, high CVP indicates overload.

BNP (Brain natriuretic peptide)

Lab marker for heart failure; higher levels indicate greater severity and help guide management.

ABG (Arterial blood gas)

Test measuring pH, PaCO2, and HCO3- to assess acid-base status; used to classify respiratory vs metabolic disorders.

pH

Measure of acidity/alkalinity of blood; normal ~7.35–7.45; lower indicates acidosis, higher alkalosis.

PaCO2

Partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood; reflects respiratory component; high = respiratory acidosis, low = respiratory alkalosis.

HCO3- (bicarbonate)

Metabolic component of ABG; buffers acid; elevated or reduced levels indicate metabolic alkalosis or acidosis respectively.

Osmolality

Measure of solute concentration in body fluids;

Insensible fluid loss

Fluid loss not easily measured (e.g., sweat, respiration).

Lasix (furosemide)

Loop diuretic used to promote diuresis and reduce fluid overload; monitor for dehydration and electrolyte loss.

Potassium replacement (K-DUR)

Oral potassium supplement; IV potassium administration is risky and must be carefully managed (IV push avoided, monitor for phlebitis, usually over 2–3 hours).