Hydration & Homeostasis

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to hydration, electrolyte balance, and acid-base homeostasis.

Body Fluid

Water is the primary body fluid, varying with age, sex, and adipose tissue.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside cells, including interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular fluids.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that causes kidneys to retain fluid in response to low vascular fluid volume or high serum osmolality.

Renin-Angiotensin System

System activated when fluid volume decreases, resulting in fluid retention and increased blood pressure.

Osmosis

Movement of solvent molecules from low to high solute concentration.

Diffusion

Movement of solute molecules from high to low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Isotonic Solutions

Solutions that have equal osmotic pressure; no net water movement occurs.

Hypotonic Solutions

Solutions with lower osmotic pressure; cell swells as water enters.

Hypertonic Solutions

Solutions with higher osmotic pressure; cell shrinks as water exits.

Fluid Imbalance: Hypovolemia

Low fluid volume leading to symptoms like dry skin and decreased blood pressure.

Fluid Imbalance: Hypervolemia

Excess fluid volume resulting in symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and edema.

Acidosis

Condition where serum pH is below 7.35, indicating excess hydrogen ions or CO2.

Alkalosis

Condition where serum pH is above 7.45, indicating a lack of hydrogen ions or increased bicarbonate.

Electrolyte Functions

Various roles of electrolytes in body functions, such as sodium for fluid balance and potassium for muscle contraction.

Acid-Base Balance

Balance maintained by the kidneys and lungs to regulate hydrogen and bicarbonate ions.

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

An important buffer in the blood that helps maintain pH balance.

Interpreting ABGs

Steps to analyze arterial blood gases, including assessing pH, PCO2, and HCO3 levels.