Electrolytes and Fluid Balance

Flashcards for lecture notes on electrolytes and fluid balance

K+

Electrolyte

Sodium (Na+)

Electrolyte

Sodium

Helps maintain water balance

Potassium

Maintains blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte balance

Sodium

Water follows this electrolyte

Hypernatremia

Sodium imbalance; signs include nausea, thirst, seizures, and loss of skin turgor

Hyponatremia

Sodium imbalance; signs include neuro changes, confusion, anxiety, low blood pressure, and weak, thready pulse

Hypokalemia

Potassium imbalance; Symptoms include muscle weakness, twitching, irregular heartbeat

Hyperkalemia

Potassium imbalance; ECG will show peaked T wave

Calcium (Ca+)

Coagulation, formation of bones and teeth, normal nerve and muscle activity

Hypocalcemia

Calcium imbalance; can lead to osteoporosis or bone/heart cancer

Magnesium (Mg+)

Building bones and teeth, nerve transmission, muscle contraction

Hypomagnesemia

Magnesium imbalance; related to hypertension, preeclampsia, and irregular heart rate

Intracellular Fluid

Body fluid found inside the cells

Extracellular Fluid

The three types are intravascular, interstitial, and transcellular

Kidney role in fluid/electrolyte balance

Filters fluid and excretes wastes, thus regulating fluid and electrolyte balance

Signs/Symptoms of Hypovolemia (fluid volume deficit)

Dark urine, thirst, flat neck veins, weak jugular, poor skin turgor

Signs/Symptoms of Hypervolemia

Hypertension, edema, bounding pulse, slow/strong pulse, shortness of breath, crackles