Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in the human body, aimed at aiding in exam preparation.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid within cells, accounting for 70% of body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, accounting for 30% of body fluid.

Dehydration

A decreased volume of water and electrolyte change.

Osmosis

Movement of water from an area of lesser solute concentration to greater concentration.

Diffusion

The tendency of solutes to move freely throughout a solvent.

Active Transport

Requires energy to move substances through the cell membrane.

Filtration

Passage of fluid through a permeable membrane from higher to lower pressure.

Acid-Base Balance

The maintenance of pH levels in the body through buffer systems.

Major Electrolytes

Chemicals that ionize in solution and carry an electrical charge.

Cations

Ions with a positive charge.

Anions

Ions with a negative charge.

Hypervolemia

Excessive retention of water and sodium in ECF.

Dehydration Symptoms

Signs include confusion, hypotension, and muscle cramps.

Hydration Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's fluid intake and output.

Kidneys

Filter plasma and excrete urine, crucial for fluid homeostasis.

Adrenal Glands Function

Conserve sodium, save chloride and water, excrete potassium.

Fluid Intake Sources

Includes ingested water, ingested food, and metabolic oxidation.

Acidosis

Condition with excess hydrogen ions in the body.

Alkalosis

Condition characterized by loss of hydrogen ions.

pH Range for Normal Blood

Normal range is 7.35-7.45.

Signs of Hypokalemia

Muscle weakness, leg cramps, fatigue, and dysrhythmias.

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac irregularities.

Sodium Role

Controls and regulates volume of body fluids.

Bicarbonate Function

Primary buffer system in the body.

Calcium Levels

Normal total serum is 8.6-10.2 mg/dL.

Thirst Mechanism

Stimulated by dehydration to maintain fluid balance.

Third-Space Fluid Shift

Distributional shift of body fluids into potential body spaces.

Assessment for Fluid Imbalance

Includes monitoring daily weight and vitals.

Metabolic Acidosis

Characterized by a deficit of bicarbonate in ECF.

Respiratory Acidosis

Excess carbonic acid in ECF.

Nursing Interventions for Imbalance

Include dietary modifications and medication administration.

Hypernatremia

Condition with sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L.

Hypocalcemia

Condition with serum calcium levels less than 8.9 mg/dL.

Hypercalcemia

Condition with serum calcium levels greater than 10.5 mg/dL.

Hyponatremia Lab Value

A sodium level less than 135 mEq/L.

Fluid Volume Excess Symptoms

Pulmonary edema, hypertension, and increased weight.

Risk Factors for Electrolyte Imbalance

Include acute and chronic illnesses, burns, trauma.

Using IV Therapy

To address imbalances and replenish fluids.

Types of IV Solutions

Including isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic.

Expected Outcomes of Fluid Care

Maintain fluid intake/output balance and normal urine specific gravity.

Importance of Diet in Fluid Management

Modifying dietary intake helps address imbalances.

Pitting Edema Scale

Assessment for fluid retention indicating underlying conditions.

Accessing Veins for IV Therapy

Consider vein accessibility and condition for effective infusion.

Tunneled Central Venous Catheters

Used for long-term patient solutions for IV therapy.

Serum Electrolyte Balance Monitor

Regular checks on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

Patient Teaching for Thirst Regulation

Educate on fluid intake based on activity level and weather.

Clinical Indicators of Fluid Status

Skin turgor, mucosal membrane dryness, and urine output.

Peak Flow Measurements

Used to monitor respiratory imbalances and oxygenation.

Electrolyte Replacement Therapy

Using oral or IV forms to restore proper electrolyte levels.

Fluid Volume Deficit Causes

Inadequate intake or excessive losses from sweating or diarrhea.

Homeostasis Definition

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Characterized by excess bicarbonate in ECF.

Buffer Systems

Chemicals that help maintain pH balance in the body.

Calcium's Role in the Body

Important for nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

Muscle cramps, twitches, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Clinical Manifestations of Hypernatremia

Neurological impairment and agitation.

Renal System's Role in Fluid Balance

Regulates electrolyte levels and excretes wastes.

Importance of Insensible Water Loss

Contributes to total fluid balance but is hard to measure.

Guidelines for Fluid Replacement

Based on calculated needs and ongoing losses.

Electrolyte Lab Tests

Assess levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Plasma Osmolarity Impact

Influences fluid movement across cellular membranes.

Body Fluid Distribution Changes

Affected by age, gender, and body composition.

IV Fluid Monitoring

Includes vital sign checks and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Hypochloremia Lab Value

Chloride level less than 98 mEq/L.

Hyperphosphatemia Lab Value

Phosphate levels greater than 2.6 mg/dL.

Fluid Imbalance Assessment Components

Daily weights and hydration status evaluation.

Respiratory Monitoring Parameters

ABGs and pulse oximetry to assess oxygenation.

Signs of Respiratory Acidosis

Dizziness, confusion, and increased respiratory effort.

Nursing Care for ECF Inbalance

Focus on both physical and psychological support.

Fluid and Electrolyte Studies

Used to assess balance and guide treatment decisions.

Hypervolemia Causes

Excessive sodium intake and fluid retention.

Typical Nursing Diagnoses for Imbalance

Include fluid overload and potential fluid deficit.