Fluid & Electrolytes and Related Concepts

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering critical concepts related to fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, pain assessment and management, and nursing interventions.

Fluid & Electrolytes

The balance of fluids and electrolytes is critical for normal body function.

Normal Lab Range for Sodium (Na)

135 - 145 mEq/L.

Normal Lab Range for Potassium (K)

3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L.

Normal Lab Range for Calcium (Ca)

8.5 - 10.5 mEq/L.

Normal Lab Range for Magnesium (Mg)

1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L.

Causes of dehydration

Vomiting, diarrhea, burns, trauma, internal feeding without sufficient fluid.

Hyperventilation

Rapid, deep breathing often caused by stress, anxiety, or asthma.

Signs of Dehydration

Weight loss, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension.

Fluid Volume Deficit

Condition resulting from dehydration, characterized by signs like weight loss and low urine output.

Vascular Dehydration

Condition where the vascular system is dehydrated often due to decreased oral intake or blood loss.

Hypovolemia

A state of decreased blood volume causing dehydration.

Skin Turgor

A measure of skin elasticity used to assess hydration status.

Hyperkalemia

Excess potassium in the blood, leading to potential heart problems.

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Tachycardia, weight gain, fluid overload symptoms.

Osmosis

Movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Filtration

Movement of fluid and small particles from an area of high pressure to low pressure.

Active Transport

Movement of particles against the concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with osmolarity close to that of blood serum.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with osmolarity below that of blood serum, causing fluid to move into cells.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with osmolarity above that of blood serum, causing fluid to move out of cells.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood (less than 135 mEq/L).

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood (greater than 145 mEq/L).

Acid-Base Balance

The equilibrium between acid and base concentrations in the body.

pH range for healthy blood

7.35 to 7.45, indicating a balanced acid-base status.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition resulting from hypoventilation leading to increased CO2 and decreased pH.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition resulting from hyperventilation leading to decreased CO2 and increased pH.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO₃) levels.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition characterized by high pH and high bicarbonate (HCO₃) levels.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Signs of Cholecystitis

Acute abdominal pain, potential complications, Nausea, vomiting.

IV Therapy Purpose

To provide fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, glucose, and medications.

Cystoscopy

A procedure to examine the urethra and bladder using a thin tube called a cystoscope.

Pain Assessment (OLDCART)

A systematic method used to evaluate pain in patients.

Types of Pain

Nociceptive, neuropathic, somatic, visceral.

Pain Scales

Tools used to measure pain severity, such as Wong-Baker scale.

Nursing Management for Hyponatremia

Monitor intake/output, encourage sodium intake, manage fluid restrictions.

Complications of immobility

Can include pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, and DVT.

Urine collection for 24 hours

A method used for various laboratory tests including kidney function.

Diabetes Mellitus

A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin issues.

Nutritional needs for diabetes

Proper diet and regular blood sugar monitoring to prevent complications.

BMI Definition

Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat based on weight and height.

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and muscle cramps.

Smooth Muscle Dysfunctions in Diabetes

Includes issues with digestion and vascular smooth muscle.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage leading to pain, tingling, or loss of sensation.

Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale

A pain assessment tool using visual depictions of facial expressions.

Pain Management Strategies

Includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances

Can lead to various health issues including dehydration and electrolyte derangements.

Respiratory Rate Definition

The number of breaths taken per minute, an indicator of respiratory health.

Vasopressors

Medications used to raise blood pressure in hypovolemic patients.

Intravenous (IV) Fluids

Used to deliver medications, electrolytes, and hydration directly into the bloodstream.

Diuretics

Medications that promote diuresis, or increased urine production.

Patient Education on Diabetes

Includes foot care, blood sugar monitoring, and dietary management.

Nutritional Therapy for Cholecystitis

Focus on a low-fat diet to reduce gallbladder workload.

Pain Relief Techniques

May include opioids, NSAIDs, and adjunct therapies like TENS.

Assessment of Lung Sounds

Essential for diagnosing respiratory conditions.

Signs of Respiratory Distress

Includes tachypnea, stridor, and accessory muscle use.

Patient Safety Protocols

Include fall precautions and proper monitoring.

Seizure Precautions

Measures taken to protect patients at risk for seizures.

Medication Administration Rights

Include right patient, right medication, right dosage, and right time.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Definition

Bleeding within or around brain tissue, causing neurological deficits.

Ischemic Stroke Causes

Most commonly due to emboli or thrombosis blocking a cerebral artery.

Morse Fall Scale

Tool used to assess a patient's risk of falling.

Effective Pain Management

Achieving adequate pain control through various modalities.

Potential Complications of Diabetes

Retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy.

Coping Strategies for Pain Management

Includes psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Acid-Base Imbalance Causes

Can arise from metabolic or respiratory dysfunctions.

Nursing Management for Increased ICP

Include positioning and monitoring neurological status.