Body Fluids and Transport Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions relevant to body fluids, transport mechanisms, and related physiological concepts as noted in the lecture.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura causing difficulty in breathing and chest pain.

Diaphragm

A muscular structure that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities; essential for breathing.

Phrenic nerve

Nerve that stimulates the diaphragm to enable breathing.

Interstitial spaces

Spaces in tissues where fluid accumulates, leading to edema.

Bilateral lower leg edema

Fluid accumulation in both legs, which can indicate heart problems.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

Osmotic pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to solute concentration gradients.

Albumin

A protein in blood plasma that helps maintain osmotic pressure.

Transdermal delivery

Administration of medication through the skin for systemic effects.

Localized edema

Fluid accumulation in a specific area, often due to injury or surgery.

Generalized edema

Widespread fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces, often indicating systemic conditions.

Sodium (Na+)

An electrolyte crucial for fluid balance and nerve function.

Potassium (K+)

An electrolyte essential for cellular function and heart rhythm.

Calcium (Ca2+)

An electrolyte important for muscle contractions and nerve signaling.

Homeostasis

The maintainance of stable internal physiological conditions.

Diffusion

The process of molecules moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Active transport

The movement of substances across a membrane from lower to higher concentration using energy.

Filtration

Process of separating solid matter from a liquid by passing it through a filter.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Acidosis

A condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition in which there is too much base (alkali) in the body fluids.

NANDA

Nursing diagnoses developed by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association.

Electrolyte balance

The balance of electrolytes, which are minerals essential for various bodily functions.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Creatinine

A waste product produced by muscles, filtered by the kidneys.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

A measure of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, used to assess kidney function.

Overhydration

Excess fluid accumulation in the body, leading to swelling and other complications.

Dehydration

A deficit of water in the body leading to various health issues.

Tissue perfusion

The process of supplying blood to tissue, which is essential for cellular health.

Compartment syndrome

Increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue damage.

Fluid compartments

Different areas in the body where fluids are located: intracellular, extracellular, and interstitial.

Renal failure

A condition where the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood.

Respiration

The process by which oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is expelled.

Vascularity

The density of blood vessels in a particular tissue.

Pulmonary problem

Disorders that affect the lungs and breathing.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

Pulmonary edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs' air sacs, making it difficult to breathe.

Nitroglycerin (nitro)

A medication used to treat chest pain (angina) by relaxing blood vessels.

Anisocoria

Unequal pupil sizes, which can indicate medical conditions or injury.

Synovial fluid

A viscous fluid found in joint cavities that lubricates and nourishes the cartilage.

Tissue injury

Damage to body tissues, which can lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation.

Capillary exchange

The process through which substances are exchanged between blood and tissues.

Myocardial infarction

A heart attack caused by the blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

Oxygen saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.

Sickle cell anemia

A genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted red blood cells.

Pulmonary circulation

The part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs.

Systemic circulation

The part of the circulatory system that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Labile blood pressure

Blood pressure that fluctuates significantly.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in muscle contraction and the autonomic nervous system.

Transfusion reaction

An adverse response by the body to a blood transfusion.

Electrolyte abnormalities

Disruptions in the levels of electrolytes in the body, which can lead to various health problems.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

A severe inflammation of the lungs that leads to respiratory failure.

Low albumin levels

May indicate liver disease or kidney disease and can lead to edema.

Heart failure

A chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively.

Liver failure

A condition in which the liver loses its ability to function properly.

Renal disease

A condition that affects the kidneys' ability to function.

Acidosis compensation

Physiological processes that attempt to counteract acidosis and return to homeostasis.

Alkalosis compensation

Physiological processes that attempt to counteract alkalosis.

Nutrient transport

The process of delivering nutrients to cells throughout the body.

Hydration status

The level of water in the body, crucial for maintaining bodily functions.

Transport mechanisms

The biological processes that move molecules across cell membranes.

Solute

A substance dissolved in a solution to form a solute.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute.

Homeostatic imbalance

A disturbance in the body's homeostasis.

Barrier function

The role of the skin and mucous membranes in protecting the body from external environments.

Fluid dynamics

The study of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion.

Chemical gradient

The difference in the concentration of a chemical across a space.

Variable cardiac output

Fluctuations in the amount of blood the heart pumps, affecting perfusion.

Intervention

Actions taken to improve a patient's condition.

Patient assessment

Evaluation of a patient's condition based on observations and tests.

Nutritional support

Provision of necessary nutrients to patients for healing and recovery.

Semipermeable membrane

A barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others.

Fluid balance

The equal amounts of intake and output of fluids in the body.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Signal transduction

The process by which external signals are converted to a functional response within a cell.

Pain assessment

The evaluation of the level and type of pain experienced by the patient.

Patient education

The process of providing information to patients about their health and treatment options.

Clinical observations

The act of monitoring a patient's condition and responses to treatment.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.