Fluid and Electrolytes Flashcards

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts related to fluid and electrolytes.

Blood

The intravascular fluid, consisting of approximately 4-5 liters.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid found within cells, totaling about 28 liters.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid located between the blood and cells, approximately 11 liters.

Volume Imbalance

A fluid imbalance characterized by too much or too little fluid, but normal concentration.

Hypovolemia

Low volume, which is treated with isotonic fluids.

Hypervolemia

Increased volume, treated with diuretics or dialysis.

Osmolality Imbalances

Imbalances where the blood is either too concentrated or dilute.

High Osmolality

Indicates a need for hypotonic fluid.

Low Osmolality

Indicates a need for hypertonic fluid.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Outward force against a surface.

Osmotic Pressure

Inward pulling pressure towards a higher concentration.

Diffusion

Passive movement of particles.

Active Transport

Using energy to move electrolytes across cell membranes.

Osmolality Measurement

Blood test normal value is between 280-300 mmol/kg.

Urine Specific Gravity

Normal is between 1.005 and 1.030; greater than 1.010 may indicate a hyperosmolar state.

Hematocrit

Percentage of red blood cells in plasma; higher levels indicate higher osmolality.

Sodium's Role in Osmolality

Think of it as 'where sodium goes, fluid follows'.

Hydrostatic Pressure in Fluid Movement

Pushes particles from one compartment to another regardless of concentration.

Osmotic Pressure in Fluid Movement

Pulls particles from an area of larger concentration to a smaller concentration.

Jugular Vein Assessment

Jugular venous distention indicates too much fluid; collapse indicates too little.

FVO

Fluid volume overload

0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline)

Expands volume, dilutes medications, and keeps the vein open; commonly used for fluid resuscitation.

Lactated Ringers

Used for Na and volume replacement; monitor BP, pulse, lung sounds, serum Na, and urine output.

D5W

Isotonic until inside the body, then metabolizes glucose and becomes hypotonic; do not give to infants or head injury patients.

D5 NaCl

Dextrose 5% with 0.9% normal saline

D5 Lactated Ringers (LR)

Dextrose 5% with Lactated Ringers

D5 0.45%

Dextrose 5% with 0.45% normal saline

0.45% NaCl

Half normal saline

Potassium Replacement

Must be diluted in a large quantity of fluid (at least 250-500cc) and never bolus or IVP.

Sodium Administration Risks

Causes neurological damage and phlebitis if given too quickly or too concentrated.

Catheters or Infusion Ports

Equipment used for providing vascular access.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein; can result from chemical, mechanical, or bacterial causes.

Infiltration

IV fluid inadvertently enters subcutaneous tissue around the venipuncture site (coolness, paleness, swelling).

Extravasation

IV fluid with additives enters subcutaneous tissue around the venipuncture (coolness, swelling, tissue damage).

Central Access

Entrance to the device is outside the body, but the tip sits close to the entrance of the heart.

Central Venous Access Device Indication

Long-term IV (chemo, antibiotics), caustic medications (levophed), monitoring of hemodynamic status

Central Venous Access Device Care

surgical asepsis, inserted by trained nurse or provider , follow insertion by chest X -ray, mask worn by PT and RN during dressing change.

Central Venous Access Device Complications

infection, pneumothorax, embolism, dislodgement, bleeding

PICC: Peripherally inserted central catheter

Located on the arm and Placed in IR or by specially-trained RN (PICC nurse)

PAC

Placed in IR; Port-a-Cath/Implanted Port.

Vascath/Hickman

Located on the chest and sutured in. Placed in IR.

Central lines

Lines most often inserted through the either subclavian vein.

PICC

They appear to be a regular intravenous (IV) catheter.

Port-a-cath

Access and deaccess (use heparin lock flush)

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs)

Raises hgb level 1g/per unit.

PRBCs

Unit of blood that is given for impaired oxygenation due to low blood count (anemia).

O negative blood

People who have O negative blood are considered “universal donors.”

Platelets (PLT)

Cells that help blood clot.

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP)

Contains a large number of clotting factors.

Type O Blood

Is the universal donor

Blood transfusion tubing

Y set with a clot filter