Nursing Care of Patients with Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

These flashcards cover the key terminology and concepts related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances relevant to nursing care.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid located inside the cells; makes up the majority of body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid located outside the cells; includes interstitial and intravascular fluid.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone that regulates water retention in the kidneys based on blood volume.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane using energy, such as ATP.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a low concentration to a high concentration.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

Osmolarity

The concentration of solutes in a solution, measures in mOsm/L.

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, typically below 135 mEq/L.

Hypernatremia

A condition characterized by high sodium levels in the blood, typically above 145 mEq/L.

Hypokalemia

A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, typically below 3.5 mEq/L.

Hyperkalemia

A condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood, above 5.0 mEq/L.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, below 9.0 mg/dL.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by high calcium levels in the blood, above 11.0 mg/dL.

Hypomagnesemia

A condition characterized by low magnesium levels in the blood, below 1.5 mEq/L.

Hypermagnesemia

A condition characterized by high magnesium levels in the blood, above 2.5 mEq/L.

Fluid Overload

A condition resulting from the excessive accumulation of fluid in the body.

Fluid Volume Deficit

A condition resulting from the loss of body fluids leading to dehydration.

Third-spacing

The accumulation of fluid in areas that do not contribute to fluid balance.

Sensible Losses

Fluid losses that are measurable, such as urination.

Insensible Losses

Fluid losses that are not easily measurable, such as sweating and respiration.