Fluid Imbalances

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to fluid imbalances, including definitions, physiological processes, and clinical significance.

Fluid Imbalance

A disruption of the normal balance of fluids in the body, which can lead to various health issues.

Hypervolemia

A condition characterized by excess fluid in the intravascular space or high blood volume.

Edema

Excess fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces surrounding cells.

Third Spacing

Fluid accumulation in transcellular compartments that are not functional, such as the abdomen or pericardial sac.

Osmolality

The concentration of solutes in a solution, influencing fluid movement between compartments.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The force exerted by fluid against the walls of blood vessels, pushing water out of the capillaries.

Oncotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in blood plasma, drawing water into the capillaries.

Capillary Exchange

The process of fluid and solute movement between capillaries and surrounding tissues through diffusion, filtration, and osmosis.

Net Filtration Pressure (NFP)

The balance of forces favoring filtration and reabsorption in capillaries.

Aquaporins

Specialized proteins that facilitate rapid water transport across cell membranes.

Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

A compensatory mechanism in response to low blood volume, increasing heart rate and vascular resistance.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Capillary Dynamics

The interplay of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures that influences fluid movement at the capillary level.

Lymphedema

A form of edema caused by lymphatic obstruction leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle, crucial for adequate tissue perfusion.

Cellular Edema

Swelling of the cells caused by fluid accumulation in the interstitial space.

Hypervolemia

A condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the blood, leading to increased blood volume and potential swelling in tissues.

Isotonic fluids

are fluids that have the same osmotic pressure as body fluids, helping to maintain fluid balance without causing cell swelling or shrinking.

hypotonic fluids

are fluids that have a lower osmotic pressure than body fluids, which can lead to swelling of cells as water moves into them. (low solutes)

hypertonic fluids

are fluids that have a higher osmotic pressure than body fluids, causing cells to shrink as water moves out of them. (more solutes)