Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances Review

Vocabulary-based practice flashcards covering fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalance concepts based on surgical nursing lecture notes.

Hypovolemic shock

A condition characterized by low blood pressure such as $90/40\,mm\,Hg$ and systemic hypoperfusion resulting from intravascular fluid loss, such as in a massive burn injury.

SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)

An imbalance associated with small cell lung cancer that causes water retention, water weight gain, and hyponatremia ($Serum\,sodium\,120\,mg/dL$) which can lead to confusion.

Daily weight

The most easily obtained and accurate method for a nurse to evaluate fluid balance and assess volume status in a patient.

Thirst mechanism

A physiological response that decreases with age and is not an accurate indicator of volume depletion in older adult patients.

Potassium-sparing diuretic

A medication like Spironolactone (Aldactone) that requires patients to avoid salt substitutes and high-potassium foods to prevent hyperkalemia.

IV Potassium Chloride (KCl) infusion rate

The maximum administration speed of $10\,mEq/hr$ used to treat severe hypokalemia while avoiding the risk of cardiac arrest.

Kussmaul respirations

Rapid, deep respirations that indicate metabolic acidosis, occurring as a compensatory mechanism in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Plasma oncotic pressure

The pressure exerted by serum protein ($Normal\,Range:\,6.4\,to\,8.3\,g/dL$) which, when low (e.g., $5.2\,g/dL$), leads to edema by allowing fluid to remain in interstitial tissues.

Hypertonic solution monitoring

The essential assessment of lung sounds for crackles to detect pulmonary edema while a patient is receiving therapy like $3\%\,NaCl$.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity

A serious condition for which the risk is increased by hypokalemia ($Serum\,potassium\,level\,3.0\,mEq/L$), potentially causing dangerous dysrhythmias.

Push-pause method

A technique used to flush a central venous access device (CVAD) that enhances debris removal from the lumen and decreases clotting risks.

Chvostek's sign

A physical assessment findng used to monitor for hypocalcemia, which may occur secondary to parathyroid injury during a thyroidectomy.

Magnesium toxicity

A potentially fatal condition indicated by the loss of deep tendon reflexes, which can progress to muscle paralysis, coma, and cardiac arrest.

Respiratory alkalosis

An acid-base imbalance identified by a high pH (e.g., $7.48$) and a low $PaCO_2$ (e.g., $32\,mm\,Hg$), commonly caused by hyperventilation due to pain or anxiety.