Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance and the Urinary System

These flashcards cover critical terms and definitions related to fluid and electrolyte balance, renal function, and associated disorders.

Electrolyte Imbalance

A disturbance in the balance of electrolytes, often leading to various health issues.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium levels in the blood, which can cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium levels in the blood, associated with muscle weakness and risk of arrhythmias.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms such as weakness, restlessness, and convulsions.

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood, resulting in symptoms like pitting edema and weight gain.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in the blood, potentially causing muscle spasms, cramps, and convulsions.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and flank pain.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels, often causing neuromuscular irritability and cardiovascular changes.

Hypermagnesemia

High magnesium levels in the blood, associated with hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.

Acid-Base Imbalance

An imbalance in the body’s pH level, can be metabolic or respiratory in nature.

Metabolic Acidosis

Condition characterized by low pH due to accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Condition with elevated pH, often due to loss of acids or excess bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis

Condition resulting in high carbon dioxide levels leading to low pH.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Condition characterized by low carbon dioxide levels resulting in high pH.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal mechanism regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

A test that measures the rate of filtration in the kidneys, indicating kidney function.

Urinalysis (UA)

A diagnostic test analyzing urine to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden decrease in kidney function due to various causes, potentially reversible.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A gradual loss of kidney function over time, often progressing to end-stage renal failure.