Fluid and Electrolytes, Nutrition, Internal and External Disasters, and Care of the Patient Experiencing Urgent Alterations in Health

Flashcards of key vocabulary terms from the lecture notes.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cells; makes up 66% of body fluid and contains dissolved solutes important for cell function.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside the cells; contains oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, sodium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate, and supports transport of nutrients and waste products.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found between cells or within tissues; makes up 27% of body fluid; examples include lymph, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and gastrointestinal (GI) secretions.

Intravascular Fluid

Fluid found within blood vessels (part of plasma); contains serum, protein, and other substances necessary to sustain life, carrying nutrients and waste products between cells and tissues; makes up the remaining 7% of fluid volume.

Sensible Fluid Loss

Fluid loss that is measurable, such as urine, feces, emesis, drains, and tubes.

Insensible Fluid Loss

Fluid loss that is not measurable, such as perspiration and exhaled air.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

Movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Filtration

Movement of water and dissolved substances from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure, driven by hydrostatic pressure.

Active Transport

Process that requires energy (ATP) to move molecules against pressure or concentration gradients, involving carrier proteins or pumps.

Electrolytes

Substances that develop an electrical charge when dissolved in water; includes cations (positive charge) and anions (negative charge).

Hyponatremia

Condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, leading to symptoms like weakness, confusion, and seizures.

Hypernatremia

Condition characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood, causing symptoms such as thirst, dry mucous membranes, and weakness.

Hypokalemia

Condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, leading to muscle weakness and cardiac conduction abnormalities.

Hyperkalemia

Condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to overstimulation of cardiac muscle and cardiac arrest.

Hypocalcemia

Condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, resulting in neuromuscular irritation, seizures, and tetany.

Hypercalcemia

Condition characterized by high calcium levels in the blood, leading to depressed neuromuscular activity and the formation of renal calculi.

Acidosis

A condition in which the blood pH is less than 7.35.

Alkalosis

A condition in which the blood pH is greater than 7.45.

Respiratory Acidosis

Acid-base imbalance caused by inadequate ventilation leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Acid-base imbalance caused by hyperventilation, leading to excess CO₂ loss and increased pH.

Metabolic Acidosis

Acid-base imbalance caused by a gain of hydrogen ions or loss of bicarbonate, leading to decreased pH.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Acid-base imbalance resulting from loss of acid or excess bicarbonate, leading to increased pH.

MyPlate

A visual guide developed by the USDA in 2011 to simplify healthy eating, dividing a plate into sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a small circle for dairy.

Simple Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates made of saccharides (sugar units), including monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).

Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates made of long chains of glucose units, including starch, glycogen, and dietary fiber.

Insoluble Fiber

Fiber found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains that softens stool, speeds digestion, and prevents constipation.

Soluble Fiber

Fiber found in fruits, oats, barley, and legumes that binds bile/cholesterol to lower blood cholesterol and forms a gel during digestion to slow digestion and promote fullness.

Cholesterol

A lipid in the sterol class, synthesized in the liver, found only in animal-based foods, and functions as a building block for cell membranes and hormones.

Protein

A vital substance that provides building blocks for blood, bone, and every body cell, critical for tissue growth, repair, wound healing, enzyme production, and hormone creation.

Lipids (Fats)

Organic, fatty substances that are insoluble in water, essential for good health and bodily functions, the most concentrated energy source (9 kcal/g), and stored as adipose tissue for insulation and protection.

Clear Liquid Diet

A diet consisting of easily digested, nonirritating liquids that leave minimal residue in the GI tract, typically used before diagnostic tests or surgery and during episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.

Full Liquid Diet

A diet used as a transition from a clear liquid diet that includes clear liquids plus more substantial options like ice cream, pudding, creamy soups, milk, and juices with pulp.

First Aid

Immediate, initial assistance given to someone injured or suddenly ill to preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery until EMS arrives.

Triage

The process of quickly assessing patients to prioritize care, focusing on those with threats to life, vision, or limb, and sorting patients to allocate resources to those most likely to survive during disasters.

Good Samaritan Law

Laws that provide legal protection for those who give first aid in emergencies, protecting health professionals and laypersons acting in good faith.