Fluids & IV Therapy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to fluids and IV therapy, including physiological functions, electrolyte imbalances, and nursing procedures.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment, including the composition and volume of fluids and electrolytes.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside the cells.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside the cells, which includes interstitial fluid and plasma.

Edema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissue.

Hypovolemia

Abnormal loss of body fluids, leading to decreased blood volume.

Hypervolemia

Excess fluid volume in the body, often associated with conditions such as heart failure.

Isotonic solutions

Solutions that have the same salt concentration as the blood and other bodily fluids, not causing cells to swell or shrink.

Hypotonic solutions

Solutions with a lower salt concentration compared to the body's fluids, leading to cell swelling.

Hypertonic solutions

Solutions with a higher salt concentration than the body's fluids, causing cells to shrink.

Sodium (Na⁺)

An essential electrolyte that controls fluid balance and is maintained by the kidneys, normal range is 136-145 mEq/L.

Hypernatremia

A condition characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood (>145 mEq/L), often due to dehydration.

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood (<136 mEq/L), often due to excess water.

Potassium (K⁺)

A major intracellular electrolyte important for nerve signals, muscle contractions, and heart rhythm, normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium levels in the blood (>5.0 mEq/L), can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

Hypokalemia

Low levels of potassium in the blood (<3.5 mEq/L), which can result in muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

An electrolyte important for bone health, muscle contractions, and blood clotting, normal range is 9.0-10.5 mEq/L.

Hypercalcemia

Elevated calcium levels in the blood (>10.5 mEq/L), leading to various symptoms including weakness and confusion.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in the blood (<9.0 mEq/L), which can cause muscle cramps and seizures.

Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

An electrolyte involved in many cellular functions including ATP production, normal range is 1.3-2.1 mEq/L.

Hypermagnesemia

Elevated magnesium levels in the blood (>2.1 mEq/L), often due to renal failure.

Hypomagnesemia

Low levels of magnesium in the blood (<1.3 mEq/L), which can lead to muscle cramps and confusion.

Chloride (Cl⁻)

A major extracellular anion that helps maintain fluid balance, normal range is 96-106 mEq/L.

Intravenous (IV) Therapy

The administration of fluids or medications directly into a vein.

Venipuncture

A medical procedure used to access a vein for withdrawing blood or administering treatments.

Blood Transfusion

A medical procedure where blood products are transferred to a patient, requiring careful monitoring for reactions.