BIO280 Week 1: Fluids, Electrolytes, and ABGs

Vocabulary flashcards covering body fluid compartments, pressure mechanisms, electrolyte ranges and functions, and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation from the Week 1 BIO280 lecture.

Intracellular (Inside cells)

The 'room' containing $2/3$ of total body fluid where Potassium ($K^+$) is the primary electrolyte.

Extracellular (Outside cells)

The 'room' containing $1/3$ of total body fluid where Sodium ($Na^+$) is the primary electrolyte.

Intravascular Space

The sub-zone of extracellular fluid located inside blood vessels that carries nutrients and oxygen.

Interstitial Space

The sub-zone of extracellular fluid between cells where edema (swelling) occurs when fluid leaks out.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The 'push' force, similar to water pressure in a hose, that pushes water out of blood vessels into tissues.

Oncotic Pressure

The 'pull' force created by the protein albumin that pulls water back into blood vessels.

Albumin

A protein in the blood responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure; low levels lead to edema.

RAAS System

A hormone chain reaction involving the kidneys, lungs, and adrenal glands that triggers the body to hold salt and water when blood pressure drops.

Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that prevents urination, signaling the kidneys to hold onto water during dehydration.

ANP / BNP

Hormones released by the heart when it is stretched by too much fluid, signaling the kidneys to let go of water.

Sodium ($Na^+$)

Electrolyte with a normal range of $135-145\,mEq/L$ that controls water distribution; water always follows this mineral.

Potassium ($K^+$)

Electrolyte with a normal range of $3.5-5.0\,mEq/L$ responsible for cardiac function and heart rhythm.

Calcium ($Ca$)

Electrolyte with a normal range of $9.0-10.5\,mg/dL$ required for muscle contractions, nerve signals, and blood clotting.

Phosphate ($P$)

Electrolyte with a normal range of $2.5-4.5\,mg/dL$ involved in cell energy and bone health; it has an inverse 'seesaw' relationship with calcium.

Magnesium ($Mg$)

Electrolyte with a normal range of $1.3-2.1\,mEq/L$ that acts as a muscle relaxer and is the opposite of calcium.

pH

A measure of blood acidity or alkalinity with a normal range of $7.35-7.45$.

$PaCO_2$ ($CO_2$)

An acidic gas with a normal range of $35-45\,mmHg$ that is controlled by the lungs.

$HCO_3$ (Bicarbonate)

A base or buffer with a normal range of $22-26\,mEq/L$ that is controlled by the kidneys.

ROME

An acronym for ABG interpretation: Respiratory is Opposite ($pH$ and $CO_2$ move in opposite directions) and Metabolic is Equal ($pH$ and $HCO_3$ move in the same direction).

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition characterized by a low $pH$ and high $CO_2$, caused by the inability to breathe out $CO_2$ (e.g., COPD, pneumonia, or opioid overdose).

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a high $pH$ and low $CO_2$, caused by breathing too fast (e.g., panic attacks or hyperventilation).

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition characterized by a low $pH$ and low $HCO_3$, caused by excess acid production (DKA) or loss of bicarbonate (severe diarrhea).

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a high $pH$ and high $HCO_3$, caused by the loss of acid (e.g., severe vomiting or NG tube suction).

Kussmaul Breathing

Deep, rapid breaths used by the body to blow off $CO_2$ (acid) to compensate for metabolic acidosis, commonly seen in diabetics.