Introduction to Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of fluid volume imbalances and standard normal ranges/roles for major electrolytes as presented in the Week 3 lecture.

Fluid Volume Imbalance

Abnormal distribution of fluids between the intracellular fluid (ICF) and the extracellular fluid (ECF) compartments that can disrupt cellular function.

Hypovolemia

A fluid volume deficit characterized by a shortage of body fluid, which can be caused by dehydration, blood or fluid loss, or certain medications.

Hypervolemia

A fluid volume excess characterized by too much body fluid, often caused by increased fluid intake, decreased fluid output, heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, or medications.

Potassium ($K^+$) Normal Range

$3.5$ to $5\,mEq/L$; this level is affected by acid-base balance.

Hyperkalemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by abnormally high levels of Potassium in the blood.

Hypokalemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by abnormally low levels of Potassium in the blood.

Sodium ($Na^+$) Normal Range

$135-145\,mEq/L$; it is the primary determinant of osmolality and volume of extracellular fluids.

Hypernatremia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by abnormally high levels of Sodium in the blood.

Hyponatremia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by abnormally low levels of Sodium in the blood.

Magnesium Normal Range

$1.3-2.6\,mEq/L$; it is required for energy production, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and bone health.

Hypermagnesemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of Magnesium.

Hypomagnesemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by low levels of Magnesium.

Calcium Normal Range

$8.4-10.2\,mg/dL$; it is needed for bone/teeth maintenance, muscle function, nerve impulses, blood clotting, and heart rhythm.

Hypercalcemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of Calcium.

Hypocalcemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by low levels of Calcium.

Phosphorous Normal Range

$3.4-4.5\,mEq/L$; it is necessary for bone/teeth structure, RNA and DNA synthesis, cell signaling, and pH balance.

Hyperphosphatemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of Phosphorous.

Hypophosphatemia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by low levels of Phosphorous.