Chpt.25-Water, Electrolyte Body Fluids and Acid-Base Balance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to body fluids, their composition, and acid-base balance, useful for exam preparation.

What are the three main types of balances in body fluids?

Water balance, electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance.

What is the primary regulator of water intake?

Thirst, regulated by the hypothalamus.

What fluid compartments are involved in body fluids?

Extracellular compartment and intracellular compartment.

What are the two major types of body fluid compartments?

Extracellular fluid (ECF) and intracellular fluid (ICF).

What ions are typically found in high concentration in extracellular fluid?

Sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-).

What ions are typically found in high concentration in intracellular fluid?

Potassium (K+), phosphate (PO43-), and magnesium (Mg2+).

How is acidity indicated in body fluids?

By concentration of hydrogen ions: [H+].

What does the term 'first spacing' refer to in fluid spacing terminology?

Normal distribution of body water.

What is pedal edema a result of?

Second spacing – water accumulation in interstitial spaces.

What are the main processes the body uses to regulate pH?

Buffers, respiratory control, and kidney function.

What happens in respiratory acidosis?

Decrease in respiratory effectiveness or hypoventilation leads to increased CO2 and H+, lowering pH.

Name one condition that can lead to metabolic acidosis.

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

What is alkalosis?

Plasma pH above 7.45.

What can cause respiratory alkalosis?

Hyperventilation due to anxiety or aspirin poisoning.

How do kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis?

By excreting excess H+ and increasing plasma bicarbonate (HCO3-).

What is the role of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in acid-base balance?

It acts as a buffer, removing H+ from the body.

What does hypoventilation lead to in terms of pH?

An increase in CO2 retention, leading to acidosis.

What is the relationship between CO2 levels and pH?

An increase in CO2 leads to a decrease in pH (acidosis), while a decrease in CO2 leads to an increase in pH (alkalosis).