Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance and IV Therapy

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering fluid compartments, electrolyte imbalances, RAAS, IV therapy types, and acid-base compensation based on the lecture material.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located within the cells of the body.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside the cells, which includes interstitial and transcellular fluids.

Hypovolemia

A fluid volume deficit characterized by low extracellular fluid and depleted electrolytes.

Hypervolemia

A fluid volume excess where fluid intake exceeds fluid loss, resulting in high volume of water in the intravascular fluid compartment.

Chvostek's Sign

A positive indicator of hypocalcemia where tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear causes twitching of the facial muscles.

Trousseau's Sign

A positive indicator of hypocalcemia where spasms of the hands and wrist occur after inflating a blood pressure cuff above the patient's systolic BP for 3-5 minutes.

Crystalloids

Solutions containing small molecules that flow easily across cell membranes, allowing for transfer from the bloodstream into cells and body tissues.

Colloids

Solutions such as blood, plasma, and albumin used to replace circulating blood volume by pulling fluid from other compartments using suspended molecules.

Isotonic Solution

An IV solution that contains the same concentration of dissolved substances as normally found in plasma, such as Normal Saline or Lactated Ringers.

Hypotonic Solution

Solutions such as $0.45\%$ sodium chloride used to rehydrate clients experiencing fluid losses in excess of intake, such as from diarrhea or vomiting.

Hypertonic Solution

Concentrated solutions like $3\%$ saline used to reduce cerebral edema, expand circulatory volume rapidly, or treat severe hyponatremia.

ABG (Arterial Blood Gases)

A blood test that measures the acidity ($pH$), and the levels of oxygen ($O_2$) and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) from an artery.

Compensation

The process by which the body uses chemical, protein, respiratory, and kidney buffers to correct changes and imbalances in $pH$ levels.

Respiratory Buffers

The body's second line of defense that control hydrogen ion levels by sensing changes in $CO_2$ and altering the rate and depth of respirations.

Kidney Buffers

The third line of defense that controls bicarbonate movement in the urine; it is slower to respond but is the most effective system with the longest duration.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition characterized by decreased plasma $pH$ due to decreased bicarbonate in the body; commonly seen in uncontrolled diabetes due to ketone accumulation.

Metabolic Alkalosis

An imbalance resulting in increased plasma $pH$ because of accumulated base bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance caused by excess carbonic acid, which may be either acute or chronic.

Respiratory Alkalosis

An imbalance resulting from a carbonic acid deficit that occurs when rapid breathing releases more $CO_2$ with expired air.

RAAS System

The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System, a hormonal system involving Renin, Angiotensin I, ACE, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone to regulate fluid and electrolytes.

Normal pH Range

According to the transcript, the normal range for body $pH$ is between $7.35$ and $7.45$.

Hyponatremia Presentation

Signs include stupor/coma, anorexia, lethargy, decreased tendon reflexes, limp muscles, orthostatic hypotension, seizures, and stomach cramping.

Hypernatremia Symptoms (FRIED SALT)

Restlessness (irritable), Increased fluid retention/BP, Edema, Decreased urinary output, Dry mouth, Flushed skin, Agitated, Low-grade fever, and Thirst.

Hypokalemia EKG Changes

Slightly prolonged $PR$ interval, $ST$ depression, slightly peaked $P$ wave, shallow $T$ wave, and a prominent $U$ wave.

Hyperkalemia EKG Changes

Tall peaked $T$ wave, wide flat $P$ wave, prolonged $PR$ interval, widened $QRS$, and a depressed $ST$ segment.

Chemical and Protein Buffers

The body's first line of defense that responds quickly to $pH$ changes by binding or releasing hydrogen ions as needed.