Urinary Elimination, Fluid Balance & Assessing Intake and Output

Practice flashcards based on lecture notes for understanding urinary elimination, fluid balance, and assessment of intake and output.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of the proper amount and composition of body fluids to support normal physiological functions.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluids within cells, accounting for 60% of total body fluids.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluids outside of cells, including interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular fluids.

Osmosis

Movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to one of higher concentration.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure needed to prevent the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Diffusion

Movement of ions and molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using chemical energy.

Filtration

The process that uses hydrostatic pressure to move fluids from the intravascular space into the interstitial fluid.

Obligatory Water Loss

The minimum urine output of 500 mL per day that is necessary to excrete metabolic waste.

Fluid Imbalance

A condition that occurs when the intake and output of fluids in the body are not in equilibrium.

Fluid Volume Deficit

A decrease in the amount of extracellular fluid, resulting in dehydration and other issues.

Fluid Volume Excess

An increase in the amount of extracellular fluid, often leading to conditions like heart failure.

Subjective Assessment

Information reported by the patient regarding their condition and symptoms.

Objective Assessment

Information gathered through physical examination, test results, and measurement.

Micturition

The process of urination or voiding, facilitated by neural responses from the bladder.

Factors Influencing Urination

Elements that can affect urinary habits including psychological, sociocultural, and pathological factors.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection commonly resulting from catheterization, characterized by symptoms like dysuria and hematuria.

Nocturia

The need to wake at night to urinate, often associated with increased fluid intake or certain medical conditions.

Urinary Retention

An accumulation of urine due to the inability of the bladder to empty completely.

Bladder Scanner

A device used to assess bladder fullness or post-void residual volume non-invasively.

Intake and Output (I&O)

A measurement that records fluids entering and leaving the body to assess fluid balance.

Urinary Diversions

Surgical procedures that reroute urine from the kidneys to an external source, such as a urostomy.

Thirst Mechanism

The physiological process that stimulates the desire to drink fluids when the body is dehydrated.

Daily Weight Assessment

A method of monitoring fluid balance by tracking daily weight changes.

Hydration Status

An indication of the body's fluid balance, affecting various physiological processes and overall health.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes through urine.

Post Void Residual

The amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, often measured to assess urinary retention.

Urinalysis

A laboratory test that evaluates the chemical and physical properties of urine to diagnose conditions.

Asepsis

A technique aimed at preventing infection by maintaining a sterile environment, particularly in medical procedures.

Urinary Elimination

The process by which the body expels urine, involving the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Normal Urine Output

Typically 1500-1600 mL of urine daily for adults, indicating well-functioning hydration and kidney function.

Assessing Intake and Output

The practice of documenting all fluid intake and output to ensure proper fluid balance management.

Chronic Illness and Fluid Balance

Conditions that may impair the body's ability to regulate fluids, such as cardiovascular disease or renal disorders.