Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

The flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, including definitions and descriptions.

Fluid Balance

When the required amounts of water and solutes are correctly proportioned among various compartments.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid present inside cells, making up 2/3 of body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid outside cells, making up 1/3 of body fluid, subdivided into interstitial fluid and plasma.

Plasma Membrane

Barrier that separates intracellular fluid and interstitial fluid.

Blood Vessels

Barrier that separates interstitial fluid from blood plasma.

Cardinal Rule of Fluid Balance

Fluid balance is maintained only if water intake equals water output.

Water Gain

Achieved through ingestion (liquids and food) and metabolism.

Water Loss

Occurs through urine, skin evaporation, exhalation, and feces.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys when dehydrated.

Aldosterone

Hormone that promotes salt reabsorption and water reabsorption by osmosis when dehydrated.

ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)

Promotes excretion of salt and water when the body is over-hydrated.

Dehydration

Condition resulting when water loss exceeds water gain.

Hypovolemia

State of dehydration secondary to excessive water loss.

Hypervolemia

Expansion of fluid volume in the body.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, often a sign of hypovolemia.

Hyponatremia

Condition of decreased sodium concentration in the body.

Hypernatremia

Condition of increased sodium concentration in the body.

Chloride

Most abundant anion in extracellular fluid, crucial for fluid balance.

Hypochloremia

Condition of decreased chloride concentration in the body.

Hyperchloremia

Condition of increased chloride concentration in the body.

Potassium

Most abundant cation in intracellular fluid, important for various cellular functions.

Hypokalemia

Condition of decreased potassium concentration in the body.

Hyperkalemia

Condition of increased potassium concentration in the body.

Calcium

Vital mineral stored in bones, essential for blood clotting and muscle function.

Hypocalcemia

Condition of decreased calcium concentration in the body.

Hypercalcemia

Condition of increased calcium concentration in the body.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

An important electrolyte involved in maintaining acid-base balance.

Phosphate (HPO4-)

An electrolyte important for energy transfer and cellular function.

Proteins

Molecules that contribute to osmotic pressure and fluid balance in body fluids.

Extracellular Fluid vs. Intracellular Fluid

Extracellular fluid has low potassium and high sodium, while intracellular fluid has high potassium and low sodium.

Cations

Positively charged ions, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Anions

Negatively charged ions, such as chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate.

Urine Volume

Volume of urine produced, influenced by glomerular filtration rate and tubular reabsorption.

Glomerular Filtration Rate

Rate at which fluid moves from the glomerulus into the capsular space.

Metabolic Water

Water produced by metabolic processes within the body.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid present between cells, making up 80% of extracellular fluid.

Plasma

Fluid component of blood, making up 20% of extracellular fluid.

Transcellular Fluid

Fluid present in specialized compartments like cerebrospinal fluid and joint fluids.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low to high solute concentration.

Filtration

Process of separating solutes from solvents, typically occurring in the kidneys.

Reabsorption

Process by which substances are absorbed back into the bloodstream from the kidney.

Diffusion

Movement of solutes from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Volume Comparisons

Intracellular fluid is the largest compartment, followed by interstitial fluid and then plasma.

Body Composition

Water content in the body can vary based on age, sex, and body composition.

Fluid Compartments

Different areas in the body where fluids are distributed, including intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Renal Failure

Condition where kidneys fail to filter water and solutes properly, influencing fluid balance.

Thirst Center

Region in the hypothalamus that regulates water intake based on hydration status.

Signs of Dehydration

Symptoms like dry mouth, increased thirst, and decreased urine output.

Signs of Over-Hydration

Symptoms like edema, weight gain, and hypertension.

Fluid Exchange Processes

Mechanisms such as filtration, diffusion, and osmosis that allow fluid movement between compartments.