Module 10 Vocabulary

ABG

A test that measures the levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and pH in arterial blood.

Acid

A substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+) in solution, lowering the pH.

Acidosis

A condition where blood pH is lower than 7.35, indicating excess acid in the blood.

Respiratory acidosis

Occurs due to excess CO2, often from hypoventilation.

Metabolic acidosis

Results from an accumulation of acid, such as renal failure or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Albumin

A protein in blood plasma that helps maintain osmotic pressure and fluid balance.

Alkalosis

A condition where blood pH is higher than 7.45, indicating excess base or loss of acid.

Respiratory alkalosis

Occurs due to a decrease in CO2, often from hyperventilation.

Metabolic alkalosis

Results from an excess of bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) in solution, raising the pH.

Buffer system

A system that helps maintain pH within a narrow range, such as the bicarbonate buffer system.

Capillary colloidal osmotic pressure

Osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in blood plasma that pulls water into capillaries.

Capillary hydrostatic pressure

Pressure exerted by fluid within capillaries that pushes fluid out into surrounding tissues.

Compartmental shifting

The movement of fluids between different body compartments, often seen in edema or dehydration.

Compensation

The body's physiological response to counterbalance imbalances in fluid or acid-base status.

Electrolyte

Minerals in body fluids that carry an electric charge and are essential for bodily functions.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside of cells, including interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and transcellular fluid.

HCO3 (bicarbonate)

A base that regulates pH in the blood, with normal levels ranging from 22-28 mEq/L.

Hypercalcemia

An abnormally high calcium level in the blood, causing symptoms like nausea and confusion.

Hyperkalemia

An abnormally high potassium level in the blood, which can lead to dangerous heart arrhythmias.

Hypernatremia

An abnormally high sodium level in the blood, often due to dehydration.

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another, causing water to move out of cells.

Hypervolemia

An excess of fluid in the bloodstream, caused by excessive salt or fluid intake.

Hypocalcemia

An abnormally low calcium level in the blood, causing muscle cramps and cardiovascular issues.

Hypokalemia

An abnormally low potassium level in the blood, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Hyponatremia

An abnormally low sodium level in the blood, causing headache and confusion.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another, causing water to move into cells.

Hypovolemia

A decreased volume of circulating blood, often due to dehydration or bleeding.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid found in the spaces between cells, part of the extracellular fluid compartment.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid inside cells, making up about two-thirds of the body's total fluid volume.

Intravascular fluid

Fluid within blood vessels, primarily blood plasma.

Isotonic

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as another, resulting in no net movement of water.

Isotonic fluid volume deficit

A condition where the body loses water and electrolytes in equal amounts.

Isotonic fluid volume excess

A condition where the body retains equal amounts of water and sodium.

PaCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, normal levels range from 35-45 mmHg.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with normal levels around 7.35-7.45.

Plasma potassium-hydrogen ion exchange

A process that exchanges potassium and hydrogen ions, maintaining acid-base balance.

Tetany

A condition characterized by muscle cramps and spasms, often due to low calcium or magnesium.

Third-spacing

Abnormal fluid accumulation in spaces where it is not normally found, such as in the abdominal cavity.

Tissues colloidal osmotic pressure

Osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in tissue fluids that pulls water into the tissues.

Tissue hydrostatic pressure

Pressure exerted by tissue fluids that helps push water into capillaries.

Transcellular fluid

Fluid found in specialized compartments of the body, such as cerebrospinal or synovial fluid.

Volatile

Refers to substances that can easily vaporize, such as CO2.

Water intoxication

Condition from excessive water consumption causing an electrolyte dilution, leading to confusion and seizures.