Fluid and Electrolyte Regulation and Acid-Base Balance

Flashcards covering key concepts related to fluid and electrolyte regulation, hydration status, and acid-base balance.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that can conduct electricity; important for fluid balance and cellular function.

Serum osmolality

A measure of the solutes within a solution; indicators of the body’s fluid status.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluids, leading to a decrease in water content.

Intravenous Rehydration

Method of delivering fluids directly into a patient's vein to restore hydration; includes isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions.

Hypokalemia

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

Hyperkalemia

High potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle paralysis and dysrhythmias.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood, causing confusion, lethargy, and possibly edema.

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood, leading to confusion and increased thirst.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in the blood, which can result in muscle cramps and dysrhythmias.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia where a twitching response is elicited by tapping the facial nerve.

Trousseau Sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia where flexion occurs at wrist and fingers when a blood pressure cuff is inflated.

Hypovolemia

A decrease in blood volume due to loss of fluids, which can cause dry mucous membranes and hypotension.

Hypervolemia

A condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the body, often due to kidney failure or heart failure.

Diuretics

Medications that increase renal excretion of water and electrolytes; often used to treat fluid overload.

Acidosis

A condition where there is too much acid in the blood.

Alkalosis

A condition where there is an excess of base or a lack of acid in the body.

Metabolic Acidosis

A metabolic disturbance characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate levels, often caused by kidney disease or severe diarrhea.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition resulting from low carbon dioxide levels due to hyperventilation.