Fluid, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, and Intravenous Therapy

80 flashcards based on key concepts relating to fluid, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and intravenous therapy from nursing curriculum.

What are the various functions of fluid in the body?

Transportation, heat regulation, maintenance of hydrogen balance, and medium for enzymatic action of digestion.

What are the body's mechanisms for fluid regulation?

Osmoreceptors, baroreceptors, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

How are body fluids distributed among the compartments?

Through filtration, osmosis, and diffusion.

What is the role of osmoreceptors?

To detect increased osmotic pressure.

What do baroreceptors detect?

Decreased blood pressure.

What is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

What is the composition of intracellular fluid compartment?

Fluid found within the cells of the body, comprising 66% of total body fluid.

What is the extracellular fluid compartment?

Fluid outside the cells, comprising 34% of total body fluid.

What factors indicate fluid regulation mechanisms?

Inadequate fluid intake, presence of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes, hormones, and the functionality of body tissues.

What process allows the movement of water across a membrane?

Osmosis.

What is active transport in fluid movement?

The movement of molecules into cells against their concentration gradient that requires energy.

What are signs of fluid imbalance?

Excess or deficit of water that affects body function.

What are risk factors for deficient fluid volume?

Impaired swallowing, extreme weakness, disorientation, and unavailability of water.

What are signs and symptoms of deficit fluid volume?

Thirst, dry membranes, decreased urine production, and elevated temperature.

How do you manage deficient fluid volume?

Increase fluid intake or decrease fluid loss.

What is nausea?

A feeling of discomfort often linked to irritation of nerve endings in the stomach.

What treatments are available for nausea and vomiting?

Complementary therapies like ginger tea and pharmacologic measures like antihistamines.

What interventions should be used during episodes of nausea and vomiting?

Have the patient lie down, provide mouth care, and observe for dehydration.

What causes diarrhea?

Local irritation of the intestinal mucosa or obstruction of intestinal flow.

What are the nursing management strategies for diarrhea?

Limit food intake, begin with clear liquids, and provide rehydration solutions.

How is mild diarrhea treated?

With medications like kaolin and bismuth preparations.

What is hypervolemia?

A state of excess fluid volume that can elevate blood pressure.

What are the functions of electrolytes in the body?

Creation of electrical impulses for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and glandular hormone excretion.

What is hypokalemia?

A potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L.

What nursing interventions apply to patients with hypokalemia?

Educate about potassium-rich foods and monitor cardiac rhythms.

What is hyperkalemia?

A potassium level more than 5.0 mEq/L.

What symptoms indicate hypercalcemia?

Anorexia, nausea, confusion, and muscle weakness.

What is acidosis?

A state characterized by a loss of base or accumulation of acid.

What is alkalosis?

A state defined by a loss of acid or accumulation of base.

What system is responsible for buffering acids and bases in the body?

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system.

What is normal fasting blood pH?

Between 7.35 and 7.45.

What are the indicators of respiratory acidosis?

Blood gas values with pH less than 7.35 and Paco2 greater than 45 mm Hg.

What is metabolic acidosis?

A condition with pH less than 7.35 and HCO3 − less than 22 mEq/L.

What can cause respiratory alkalosis?

Anxiety, high fever, or overdose of aspirin.

What nursing responsibilities are associated with IV therapy?

Prevent infection, ensure correct fluid administration, and monitor the patient's reaction.

What are the rights of IV therapy?

Right solution, dose, route, time, patient, and documentation.

What does the HCO3 − level indicate?

It is an indicator of metabolic acid-base status.

What nursing considerations should be taken with IV infusions?

Monitor for complications, ensure correct fluid type, and observe for patient reactions.

What is the normal range for serum sodium?

135 to 145 mEq/L.

What interventions can help manage hyponatremia?

Restrict water intake and closely monitor IV solutions.

What does hypernatremia present like?

Signs include dry mucous membranes, oliguria, and intense thirst.

What are the implications of hypomagnesemia?

Insomnia, hyperactive reflexes, and twitching.

What is the primary treatment for hypercalcemia?

Administer diuretics to increase urinary output.

What is sufficient calcium intake for adults?

Calcium from dietary sources such as cheese, broccoli, and shrimp.

What defines the role of the respiratory system in acid-base balance?

It alters the breathing rate to help retain or eliminate carbon dioxide.

What characterizes metabolic alkalosis conditions?

A pH greater than 7.45 and bicarbonate levels exceeding 26 mEq/L.

What is the effect of renal failure on electrolyte balance?

It can lead to electrolyte imbalances like hyperphosphatemia.

What is the significance of monitoring I&O in patients with fluid imbalances?

It helps in assessing hydration status and renal function.

What precautions should be taken to prevent IV complications?

Use sterile techniques and monitor sites for redness, swelling, or pain.

How is potassium hydroxide related to metabolic processes?

It affects muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

What is the effect of dehydration on skin turgor?

Results in poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.

How does fluid overload affect blood pressure?

It can elevate blood pressure due to increased blood volume.

What factors can lead to hyperphosphatemia?

Renal insufficiency and excess dietary phosphate intake.

Describe the impact of aging on fluid balance.

Older adults have altered fluid distribution and decreased kidney function.

What is the relationship between vomiting and metabolic alkalosis?

Vomiting leads to loss of gastric acid, resulting in alkalosis.

What is a key sign of deficient fluid volume?

Weakness and dizziness due to low blood volume.

What is the role of ANP in fluid regulation?

It helps to decrease blood volume by promoting fluid loss through the kidneys.

What are potential causes of metabolic acidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, and sepsis.

How can hyperkalemia affect cardiac function?

It can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle fatigue.

What nursing interventions are important for managing hypernatremia?

Increase fluid intake and monitor serum sodium levels.