Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Acid-Base Physiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fluid and electrolyte balance as well as acid-base physiology, essential for understanding human health and nursing practices.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in external environments.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid found inside the cells, which is essential for cellular functions.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid found outside the cells, including interstitial fluid and plasma.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume, often due to loss of fluids.

Dehydration

A broad term indicating loss of body water and electrolytes.

Electrolytes

Ions in body fluids that carry an electrical charge, critical for many biological functions.

Sensible Loss

Fluid loss that can be measured, such as urine or feces.

Insensible Loss

Fluid loss that cannot be easily measured, mainly through evaporation from skin and respiration.

Osmosis

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

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions, lowering the pH of blood.

Alkalosis

A condition with a deficiency of hydrogen ions, raising the pH of blood.

Cations

Positively charged ions, such as sodium and potassium.

Anions

Negatively charged ions, such as chloride and bicarbonate.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by fluids within the capillaries, influencing fluid movement.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Buffer System

Chemical systems in the body that help maintain pH balance by resisting changes in acidity or basicity.

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

The primary buffer system in the body that involves the equilibrium between carbonic acid and bicarbonate.

Renal Mechanisms

Kidney functions that help regulate blood pH and electrolyte levels.

Fluid Volume Excess

Retention of excess water and sodium in the extracellular fluid, leading to fluid overload.