Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Vocabulary flashcards on dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Dehydration

The loss of body fluids.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Disruptions in the levels of essential minerals in the body.

Sodium (Na+)

Electrolyte that controls fluid levels and aids in muscle and nerve function.

Potassium (K+)

Electrolyte that supports heart, nerve, and muscle function, and helps move nutrients and waste in and out of cells.

Calcium (Ca+)

Electrolyte that helps blood vessels contract and expand, and supports nerve communication.

Chloride (Cl-)

Electrolyte that maintains healthy blood levels, blood pressure, and body fluids.

Magnesium (Mg+)

Electrolyte that aids in nerve and muscle function and promotes healthy bones and teeth.

Phosphate (PO4)

Electrolyte that supports skeletal, muscle, and nerve function.

Bicarbonate (HCO3)

Electrolyte that helps maintain acid-base balance in the blood and move CO2.

Tachycardia

Rapid heart rate, a sign of dehydration.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure, a sign of dehydration.

Poor Skin Turgor

Decreased elasticity of the skin, can indicate dehydration.

Electrolyte Concentration

Increases during dehydration, disrupting the body’s normal balance.

HCT (Hematocrit)

A lab value that can increase with dehydration.

Creatinine & BUN

Lab values that can increase during dehydration, indicating kidney function issues.

Albumin

A lab value that can be affected by dehydration.

Lipids

Lab values that can be affected by dehydration.

Fluid Needs

Varied by age, activity level, overall health, and other factors.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Maintains the balance of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane.

Extracellular Fluid

The fluid outside the cells, where sodium concentration is higher.

Intracellular Fluid

The fluid inside the cells, where potassium concentration is higher.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels, influenced by calcium.

Vasodilation

The dilation of blood vessels, influenced by calcium.

Thirst

A common symptom of dehydration.

Fatigue

A common symptom of dehydration.

Dry Mouth

A common symptom of dehydration.

Dry Tongue

A common symptom of dehydration.

Headache

A common symptom of dehydration.

Decreased Urine Output

A sign of dehydration.

Dark Yellow Urine

A sign of dehydration.

Pale Skin

A sign of dehydration.

Cold Hands

A sign of dehydration.

Cold Feet

A sign of dehydration.

Sunken Eyes

A sign of dehydration.

Burns

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Cancer

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Organ Failure

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Fever

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Substance Use Disorders

Can increase risk of dehydration.

Excessive Bleeding

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Hormonal Imbalances

A condition that can lead to dehydration.

Medications

Some can increase the risk of dehydration.

Sweating

A factor that contributes to fluid loss and dehydration.

Vomiting

A factor that contributes to fluid loss and dehydration.

Diarrhea

A factor that contributes to fluid loss and dehydration.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Acid-Base Balance

The equilibrium between acid and base concentrations in the body fluids.

Environmental Temperatures

Can influence individual fluid needs.

Pregnancy

Can influence individual fluid needs.

Breastfeeding

Can influence individual fluid needs.

Electrolytes

Essential for organ function in the body, including muscles and nerves.

Blood Pressure

The pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels; regulated by electrolytes like Calcium and Chloride.

Muscle Cramps

A possible symptom of electrolyte imbalance.

Heart Arrhythmias

A severe health issue that can be caused by electrolyte imbalances.

Fluid Levels

Controlled by Sodium (Na+).

Nerve Function

Aided by electrolytes like Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium.

Muscle Function

Aided by electrolytes like Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium.

Nutrient Transport

Potassium helps move nutrients in and out of cells.

Waste Transport

Potassium helps move waste in and out of cells.

Bone Health

Promoted by Magnesium.

Teeth Health

Promoted by Magnesium.

Skeletal Function

Supported by Phosphate.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Considered a waste product, transported through the blood by bicarbonate.

Blood Vessels

Their contraction and expansion are influenced by Calcium.

Fluid Intake

6-8 glasses of fluid daily is an adequate amount for most individuals.

Activity Level

Influences fluid needs.

Overall Health

Influences fluid needs.

Blood

Bicarbonate helps maintain acid-base balance in blood.

Muscle Function

Supported by electrolytes like potassium.

Hormonal Imbalance

Factor that can lead to dehydration

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate various body functions

Intracellular

Located or occurring within a cell

Extracellular

Located or occurring outside a cell or cells

Concentrated Urine

Urine that is darker in color due to a higher concentration of solutes

Fluid Balance

The state in which the amount of fluid taken into the body equals the amount of fluid lost from the body

Kidney

An organ responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body

Cardiac Function

The performance of the heart in pumping blood

Solutes

Substances dissolved in a solvent

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute

Blood vessels

The vessels through which blood circulates in the body

Respiratory System

The system responsible for taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body

Inflammation

A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection

Hypernatremia

High blood sodium levels

Hyponatremia

Low blood sodium levels

Hyperkalemia

High blood potassium levels

Hypokalemia

Low blood potassium levels

Arrythmia

An irregular heartbeat

Edema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation

Heart

Electrolytes like potassium support the function of this vital organ

Hormonal changes

Certain changes in hormones can affect fluid balance in the body

Intravenous fluids

Fluids administered directly into a vein to treat dehydration

Dry mucous membranes

A sign of dehydration characterized by a lack of moisture in the mouth and nasal passages

Muscle weakness

A symptom of electrolyte imbalance

Neurological symptoms

Symptoms affecting the nervous system

Angiotensin

A hormone that raises blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels in the body

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that helps the body retain water

Cellular function

Adequate hydration and electrolyte balance are essential for proper function in cells