Fluid and Electrolytes Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic principles, compartments, regulatory mechanisms, laboratory values, and clinical manifestations of fluid and electrolyte balances based on the lecture.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

The fluid contained inside cells, also known as cytosol, which makes up approximately two-thirds of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

The fluid located outside of cells, comprising one-third of total body fluid and divided into interstitial fluid, plasma, and transcellular fluid.

Interstitial Fluid

The extracellular fluid component surrounding tissue cells, representing $80\%$ of total extracellular fluid.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, accounting for $20\%$ of extracellular fluid.

First Spacing

The normal distribution of both extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid in the body.

Third Spacing

The accumulation of fluid in areas that normally contain no fluid or minimal amounts of fluid, such as joint spaces or body cavities.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same solute concentration as another fluid solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration compared to another solution.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Insensible Fluid Loss

Body fluid loss that is not visible or measurable, occurring through the skin and respiration.

Sensible Fluid Loss

Body fluid loss that is measurable and visible, such as urine and feces.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A water-conserving hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored and released by the pituitary gland.

SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone)

An abnormal endocrine condition characterized by excessive production or release of ADH.

Diabetes Insipidus

An abnormal condition caused by an ADH deficit, leading to inadequate water conservation.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced in the adrenal gland that regulates sodium balances by enhancing sodium retention and potassium excretion.

Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA)

An area in the kidney that senses blood pressure drops and secretes renin to stimulate angiotensin II production.

Urine Specific Gravity

A lab test measuring the kidneys' ability to excrete or conserve water, with a normal reference range of $1.010 - 1.040$.

Hematocrit

A lab value indicating hydration status, with normal ranges of $38\% - 47\%$ for females and $40\% - 54\%$ for males.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A renal function study with a normal value of $6 - 20\,\text{mg/dL}$, where elevated levels indicate hypovolemia and dehydration.

Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)

A fluid disturbance where water and electrolytes are decreased in the same proportion, primarily involving sodium.

Hypervolemia

An extracellular fluid excess involving a proportional increase in both water and electrolytes.

Sodium (Na+) Normal Value

The primary ECF electrolyte with a normal reference range of $135 - 145\,\text{mEq/L}$ and critical values of $< 120\,\text{mEq/L}$ or $> 160\,\text{mEq/L}$.

Potassium (K+) Normal Value

An electrolyte that affects cardiac rhythm, with a normal range of $3.5 - 5.0\,\text{mEq/L}$ and critical values of $< 2.5\,\text{mEq/L}$ or $> 6.5\,\text{mEq/L}$.

Kayexalate

A medication administered in hyperkalemia nursing care to facilitate potassium excretion.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland that acts as the principal regulator of calcium levels in the body.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical indicator of hypocalcemia elicited by tapping the facial nerve anterior to the earlobe, resulting in facial muscle twitching or spasm.

Trousseau's Sign

A clinical sign for hypocalcemia observed when inflating a blood pressure cuff causes carpopedal spasm.

Calcium Gluconate

A medication used for emergency management of hyperkalemia, acute hypocalcemia, and as the antidote for magnesium overdose.