Nutrients Essential to Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to nutrients essential for fluid and electrolyte balance.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid found inside cells, accounting for two thirds of the body's total fluid.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid found outside cells, including tissue fluid and plasma.

Plasma

The fluid portion of blood that carries blood cells.

Osmosis

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

Electrolytes

Minerals that carry an electrical charge and help regulate fluid balance in the body.

Cerebrospinal fluid

Fluid that protects the brain and spinal column.

Amniotic fluid

Fluid that protects the fetus during pregnancy.

Synovial fluid

Lubricating fluid found around joints.

Diuretics

Medications that increase urine production and fluid loss.

Fluid balance

The proper amount of water in the body, maintained by various mechanisms.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone released by the pituitary gland that promotes water reabsorption by the kidneys.

Thirst mechanism

A physiological response that signals the need to drink fluids.

Hypohydration

A state of insufficient body water, leading to symptoms of dehydration.

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood, often caused by excessive water intake.

Hypernatremia

Abnormally high levels of sodium in the blood, usually due to dehydration.

Fluid volume

The total amount of fluid in the body, affecting blood pressure and hydration status.

Heat exhaustion

A heat-related illness characterized by heavy sweating and weakness.

Heat stroke

A severe heat illness resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to failure of the body's thermoregulation.

Fruits and vegetables

Good sources of water and essential nutrients needed for hydration.

Moderate alcohol intake

Consumption of one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Hangover

Aftereffects of excessive drinking, including headache and fatigue.

Alcohol poisoning

A medical emergency resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, potentially leading to death.

Binge drinking

Consumption of five or more drinks in one occasion.

Cirrhosis

Permanent scarring of the liver due to chronic alcohol abuse.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Physical and mental birth defects that result from alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Caloric content of alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic drinks typically contain high calories and can contribute to weight gain.

Dietary sources of potassium

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; important for fluid and electrolyte balance.

Sodium intake recommendations

Recommended limit of 1500 mg per day; maximum is 2300 mg.

Phosphorus function

Critical for bone formation and energy production; found in high amounts in protein foods.

Chloride function

Helps maintain fluid balance and is a component of gastric acid.

Fluid intake assessment

Monitoring fluid intake through beverages and food for proper hydration.

Hydration indicators

Urine color used to assess hydration status; ideally should be light lemonade color.

Body temperature regulation

Maintained through fluid balance, largely due to water's high heat capacity.

Hydration during exercise

Necessary to prevent dehydration, especially during prolonged or vigorous activity.