Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Review

These flashcards cover key aspects of fluid and electrolyte balance, including specific gravity, third-spacing, mechanisms of fluid movement, diuretics, acid-base imbalances, and electrolyte management.

What does specific gravity measure in relation to urine?

It measures the concentration of urine compared to water, reflecting the kidneys’ ability to excrete or conserve water.

What is the normal range for urine specific gravity?

1.005–1.030.

What indicates high specific gravity in urine?

Dehydration and SIADH, which leads to concentrated urine.

What does low specific gravity indicate?

Diluted urine, commonly seen in overhydration and diabetes insipidus.

What is third-spacing in relation to fluid balance?

Fluid shifts from intravascular spaces to interstitial or transcellular compartments, causing hypovolemia.

What are common causes of third-spacing?

Burns, liver failure, and sepsis.

What are symptoms of third-spacing?

Decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, reduced urine output, and edema.

What is osmosis?

Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane toward higher solute concentration.

What is diffusion in terms of fluid movement?

Movement of solutes from higher to lower concentration.

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump?

It maintains cellular homeostasis by transporting sodium out and potassium into cells.

What are loop diuretics commonly associated with?

Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia and dehydration.

What is the major symptom of dehydration in older adults?

Confusion, which may be mistaken for aging-related changes.

What conditions can cause hypervolemia?

CHF, renal failure, and excessive IV fluids.

What is the key treatment for hypervolemia?

Fluid and sodium restriction, along with diuretics.

What does respiratory acidosis result from?

CO2 retention due to hypoventilation.

What are common causes of respiratory alkalosis?

Anxiety, fever, sepsis, or mechanical over-ventilation.

What defines metabolic acidosis?

Decreased HCO3 due to excess acid production or loss of bicarbonate.

What are symptoms of metabolic alkalosis?

Muscle cramps, tingling in extremities, hypoventilation.

What is the relationship between calcium and phosphate?

They have an inverse relationship: high calcium leads to low phosphate and vice versa.

What is the primary intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

Administer calcium gluconate, insulin with dextrose, and loop diuretics.

What electrolytic imbalance is primarily caused by prolonged vomiting?

Metabolic alkalosis.

What is the primary risk factor for developing kidney stones?

Dehydration and diets high in sodium or protein.