Fluid and Electrolytes Flashcards

Flashcards about fluid and electrolytes, covering concepts like fluid compartments, electrolyte balance, and imbalances.

What is the definition of fluid and electrolyte balance?

The process of regulating extracellular fluid volume, body fluid osmolality, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes.

Give some examples of electrolytes.

Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca).

What are the main fluid compartments in the body?

Intracellular and Extracellular (Interstitial, Vascular).

Name the routes the body uses for intake and absorption of fluids and electrolytes.

Oral intake, IV, Rectum, NG tube, other GI tubes. IV route does not require absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream.

Where are Calcium and Magnesium absorbed?

Calcium is absorbed in the duodenum and requires Vitamin D. Magnesium is absorbed in the intestinal epithelium.

How are fluids distributed in the body?

Filtration distributes fluid between the vascular and interstitial compartments of the ECF. Osmosis distributes water between the ECF and cells.

Where are Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium mainly located in the body?

Potassium is mainly inside the cells. Calcium is mainly in the bone. Magnesium is in cells and bone.

Which organ system provides the largest output of fluid and electrolytes under normal circumstances?

The kidneys, through urine production.

What is the function of Aldosterone?

Aldosterone removes sodium and water from the renal tubules and returns them to the blood, restoring ECV.

What electrolyte imbalances should we watch for with too much aldosterone?

Hypernatremia and Hypokalemia

What is the function of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?

Regulates renal excretion of water, not sodium.

Why do older adults have decreased renal reserve?

Older adults have decreased renal reserve because they have fewer nephrons as they age.

What is ECF (Extracellular Fluid)?

Abnormal fluid in the extracellular compartment. Isotonic fluid has the same concentration as normal body fluid.

What is Osmolality?

Changes in the degree of concentration of body fluid; think SODIUM.

What are some causes of electrolyte imbalances?

Output greater than intake and absorption, deficit in intake or absorption, increased output with unbalanced intake.

What are the consequences of disruption of fluid and electrolytes?

Impaired perfusion and oxygenation, impaired cerebral function (think sodium), impaired neuromuscular function (think calcium and magnesium), and cardiac dysrhythmias (think potassium).

What are some primary nursing interventions for fluid and electrolyte balance?

Teach rehydration, identify risk factors and intervene.

What are some secondary nursing interventions for fluid and electrolyte balance?

Screen lab tests