Electrolytes and Fluid Imbalances

Flashcards covering fluid volume assessments, IV fluid types (isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic), and the normal ranges and clinical manifestations of major electrolytes including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Fluid Volume Overload (FVO)

A condition also referred to as being overhydrated or having hypervolemia.

Homeostasis

The state of balance that regulates bodily fluids and keeps them where they are supposed to be.

Intracellular space

Fluid located inside the cell.

Interstitial space

The space outside the vessel where fluid floats in the tissue; it is considered the 'third space' where edema forms and is not usable fluid.

Emesis

The medical term for vomit.

Diaphoresis

The medical term for sweating.

Net fluid intake

The result of taking fluid intake ($I$) and subtracting fluid output ($O$).

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that functions to stop the body from urinating.

Isotonic fluid

An IV fluid, such as $0.9\%$ sodium chloride (Normal Saline), that has the same concentration as bodily fluids.

Dextrose

A form of sugar used in IV fluids, often abbreviated as 'D' (e.g., $D5W$ stands for $5\%$ dextrose in water).

Hypertonic fluid

A type of IV fluid, such as $3\%$ or $5\%$ sodium chloride, that causes the cell to shrink; it is typically used for patients with super low sodium.

Hypotonic fluid

A type of IV fluid, such as half normal saline ($0.45\%$ sodium chloride), that causes the cell to swell; it is given for hypernatremia.

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, often due to hemodilution from excessive water intake, heart failure, or diuretic use.

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood resulting from water deprivation or increased sodium intake; a key manifestation is a swollen red tongue.

Chloride

A minor electrolyte that pairs with sodium, with a normal range of $98$ to $106$; it is commonly found in table salt.

Potassium

One of the major electrolytes, with a normal range of $3.5$ to $5.0$, that is vital for cardiac function.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium levels (above $5.0$) that can cause an irregular pulse, irritability, and ventricular dysrhythmias.

Sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate)

A medication used to treat high potassium by causing the patient to 'exit' potassium through bowel movements.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium levels that can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, hypotension, and constipation.

Magnesium

An electrolyte with a range of $1.3$ to $2.1$; it is the partner to potassium, meaning if one is low, the other is likely low as well.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels characterized by hyperactive deep tendon reflexes ($DTRs$) and neuromuscular changes.

Hypermagnesemia

High magnesium levels (greater than $2.1$) that can result in shallow respirations, decreased deep tendon reflexes, and bradycardia.

Calcium

An electrolyte with a normal range of $9$ to $10.5$; sources include dairy and dark green vegetables.

Chvostek's sign

A clinical indicator of low calcium (hypocalcemia) where tapping the cheek causes it to twitch.

Trousseau's sign

A clinical indicator of low calcium (hypocalcemia) where inflating a blood pressure cuff causes the hand to constrict.

Phosphorus

An element that acts inversely to calcium; when calcium levels are high, these levels will be low.