Fluids Class

Fluid Dynamics

The study of how fluids move and interact within the body.

Body Potassium and Sodium Imbalances

Conditions where there are abnormal levels of potassium and sodium in the body.

Total Body Water (TBW)

The total amount of water present in the human body.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the body's cells.

Interstitial Fluid (IF)

Fluid found between the cells in the body.

Plasma Volume (PV)

The liquid component of blood.

Electrolytes

Substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water, essential for various bodily functions.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues.

Dehydration

A condition where the body loses more fluids than it takes in.

Crystalloids

Solutions containing water, electrolytes, and small molecules used for fluid replacement.

Colloids

Solutions that increase colloid osmotic pressure and move fluid from interstitial to plasma compartments.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure needed to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to differences in solute concentration.

Hypertonic Saline

A solution with a higher concentration of salt than normal saline.

Lactated Ringer's

A solution containing electrolytes and lactate, used for fluid resuscitation.

D5W

Dextrose 5% in water, a solution used for intravenous therapy.

Indications for Crystalloids

Various medical conditions where crystalloid solutions are used for treatment.

Adverse Effects of Crystalloids

Negative consequences that can result from the use of crystalloid solutions.

Capillary Microcirculation

The flow of blood through the smallest blood vessels in the body.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure (COP)

The pressure exerted by colloids in a solution that tends to pull water into the colloid solution.

Plasma Volume Expansion

Increasing the volume of plasma in the blood.

Dextran and Hetastarch

Types of colloids used for plasma volume expansion.

Indications for Colloids

Medical conditions where colloid solutions are preferred for treatment.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

A database of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in healthcare.

Randomized Controlled Trials

Studies where participants are randomly assigned to different groups to compare treatments.

Superiority of Colloids

The potential benefits of using colloids over crystalloids for certain medical conditions.

Colloids

Solutions that are usually safe but may have adverse effects, especially in renal failure, such as altered coagulation, bleeding, and lack of oxygen-carrying capacity.

Blood Products

Components like whole blood, RBC products, clotting factors from plasma, and platelets used for transfusions to increase oxygen-carrying capacity and treat conditions like anemia and coagulation disorders.

Crystalloids

Fluids with advantages like few side effects, low cost, and wide availability, but disadvantages such as short duration of action and potential to cause edema.

Isotonic Crystalloids

Fluids like 0.9% normal saline and lactated Ringer's that do not cause fluid shift but may lead to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances.

Hypertonic Crystalloids

Fluids like D5 0.45% NS and D50.9% NS that shift fluid back into circulation, potentially causing fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances.

Colloid Action/Use

Substances like albumin, dextran, hetastarch, and mannitol used to maintain volume, shift fluid into vessels, and treat conditions like shock and cerebral edema.

Electrolytes

Essential ions like sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus crucial for various bodily functions including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and acid-base balance.

Potassium

An electrolyte responsible for skeletal muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, heartbeat regulation, and other vital functions, with normal levels critical for body function.

Hypokalemia

Condition characterized by low potassium levels, often caused by excessive loss rather than poor dietary intake, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and irregular pulse.

Hyperkalemia

Condition marked by high serum potassium levels, potentially caused by factors like excessive intake, renal failure, or certain medications, and can lead to cardiac rhythm irregularities and muscle weakness.

Parenteral Infusions

Administration of substances directly into the body through routes other than the digestive tract.

Potassium

An essential mineral that plays a key role in various bodily functions, such as muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

Oral Forms

Medications or substances that are taken by mouth.

GI Distress

Gastrointestinal discomfort or problems.

Plasma Sodium

The concentration of sodium in the liquid component of blood.

Electrolytes

Substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water and are essential for various bodily functions.