Master Nursing Study Guide: Homeostasis, Perfusion, Shock, Kidney, and Immune System

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Perfusion

The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues via the cardiovascular system.

Shock

A critical condition resulting from inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of tissues.

Kidney

An organ responsible for filtering blood, excreting waste, and maintaining fluid balance.

Immune System

The body’s defense mechanism against infections and diseases.

Temperature Regulation

The process of maintaining an optimal body temperature.

Hypothalamus

The main regulator of body temperature.

Buffers

Substances that help maintain pH balance in the body.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to decrease blood flow.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidneys that activates the RAAS system.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that stimulates vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that promotes water reabsorption in kidneys.

Fluid Volume

The total amount of fluid in the body, essential for normal function.

Capillary Shift

Fluid movement from capillaries into tissues or back.

Hypovolemia

A condition of decreased blood volume.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to a tissue.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Organ Dysfunction

Failure of an organ to function properly.

Compensatory Mechanisms

Physiological responses that maintain homeostasis during challenges.

Hypovolemic Shock

A severe form of shock resulting from significant fluid or blood loss.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate.

Oliguria

A reduced urine output.

Crystalloids

IV fluids used to restore blood volume.

Hemorrhagic Shock

Shock caused by rapid blood loss.

Anaerobic Metabolism

Energy production without oxygen leading to lactic acidosis.

Capillary Permeability

The ability of substances to pass through capillary walls.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that respond quickly to infections.

Macrophages

Cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells involved in targeted immunity.

NK Cells

Natural Killer cells that destroy virally infected or cancerous cells.

Electrolyte Balance

Proper levels of ions in the body essential for function.

Acid-Base Balance

The equilibrium between acids and bases in the body.

RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Fluid Reabsorption

The process by which the kidneys return water to the bloodstream.

Vascular Tone

The degree of constriction experienced by blood vessels.

Blood Volume

The total volume of blood circulating within the body.

Mental Status

An individual's overall level of cognitive functioning.

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Thirst Mechanism

Psychological and physiological drive to drink water.

Vascular Resistance

The opposition to blood flow within blood vessels.

Stabilize BP

Maintain blood pressure within normal limits.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that moves sodium out and potassium into cells.

Plasma Volume

The liquid component of blood that helps maintain blood pressure.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps in a minute.

Norepinephrine

A hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Epinephrine

Hormone that increases heart rate, blood flow, and energy.

Fluid Resuscitation

The process of replenishing bodily fluids after dehydration or blood loss.

Physiological Balance

The state where bodily functions are regulated and stable.

Delayed Cap Refill

Slow return of color to skin indicating poor perfusion.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry or fear that can manifest in physical symptoms.

Confusion

A disturbance of cognitive functions often associated with hypoperfusion.

Edema

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

Dizziness

A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeats often due to electrolyte imbalances.

Flushed Skin

Redness of the skin, often due to increased blood flow.

Cool Skin

Skin that feels cool to the touch, often due to vasoconstriction.

Weak Pulse

A pulse that feels faint and can indicate shock.

Tingling

A prickling sensation in the body often associated with nerve activation.

Fluid Loss

The loss of body fluids that can lead to hypovolemia.

Blood Pressure Regulation

The mechanisms that keep blood pressure within normal ranges.

Kidney Regulation

The process by which the kidneys control fluid and electrolyte balance.

Waste Buildup

Accumulation of toxins in the body due to impaired excretion.

Physiological Stress

Body's response to any challenging stimulus.

Thirst Response

The body's reaction to dehydration which triggers the need for water.

Ion Transport

The movement of ions across cell membranes.

Nerve Function

The activity of nerves transmitting signals throughout the body.

Muscle Function

The ability of muscles to contract and support movement.

Acidosis

An excess of acid in the body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition where there is an excess of base in the body fluids.

Tissue Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues.

Organ Failure

Loss of proper function of an organ.

Phagocytosis

The process in which cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Antigen Presentation

The display of foreign molecules by immune cells to trigger an immune response.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies.

T Cells

Lymphocytes that provide cell-mediated immunity.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity that develops after exposure to an antigen.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense that is non-specific.

Clinical Significance

The importance of a finding or symptom in diagnosis and treatment.

Infection Response

The body’s physiological response to harmful pathogens.

Maintenance of pH

Regulating acidity or alkalinity in body fluids.

Stable Homeostasis

A consistent state of physiological balance in the body.

Long-term Control

Sustained mechanisms to maintain physiological balance.

Oxygen Delivery

The supply of oxygen to tissues via the blood.

Tissue Perfusion

The flow of blood through the body's tissues.

Vital Organs

Organs essential for survival, such as the heart and brain.

Fluid Replacement

The process of providing fluids to the body to restore balance.

Nutrient Delivery

Transport of essential substances to cells for energy and growth.

Clinical Practice

Application of medical knowledge in patient care.

Transfusion

The process of receiving blood or blood products into one's circulation.

Volume Expansion

Increasing the volume of fluids in the body.

Electrolyte Imbalance

An abnormal concentration of electrolytes in the body.

Rehydration

Restoring lost body fluids.

Physiological Response

Body's immediate reaction to stimuli.

Anxiety Symptoms

Physical manifestations of anxiety include tachycardia and sweating.

Neurological Signs

Indicators of brain function, such as confusion or dizziness.

Rescue Breathing

Manual ventilation provided to someone not breathing.

Public Health

The science of protecting