Fluid, Electrolytes, and Nutrition Practice Flashcards

These flashcards cover the essential vocabulary for fluid and electrolyte balance, including movement of fluids, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional assessment concepts.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

The body fluid contained within the cell walls.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

The body fluid located outside the cells, including interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular fluids.

Osmosis

The movement of fluids through cell walls or vessel walls to maintain homeostasis.

Diffusion

The movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to a lower concentration.

Filtration

The simultaneous movement of both water and particles across a membrane.

Osmotic pressure

The force needed to stop water from moving across a membrane by osmosis.

Osmolarity

The concentration of all dissolved particles (solutes) in a solution per liter ($L$).

Tonicity

How a solution affects the size of a cell based on solutes that cannot cross the membrane.

Isotonic solution

A solution with the same solute concentration as the cell, resulting in no net water movement and the cell staying the same size.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing water to leave the cell and the cell to shrink.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing water to enter the cell and the cell to swell.

Oncotic pressure

The part of osmotic pressure caused specifically by proteins like albumin that pull water into blood vessels.

Sodium ($Na^+$)

The major cation responsible for water retention and brain/neurological function, with a normal range of $135-145\,mEq/L$.

Potassium ($K^+$)

The major cation that manages the 'potassium pump' for heart and muscle function, with a normal range of $3.5-5\,mEq/L$.

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$)

A cation essential for creating bone, muscle contractions, and nerve conduction, with a normal range of $9-10.5\,mg/dL$.

Magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$)

A cation that manages muscles and provides a calming or sedated effect, with a normal range of $1.5-2.5\,mEq/L$.

Hyponatremia

A serum sodium level less than $135\,mEq/L$, often resulting in confusion, lethargy, and seizures.

Hypernatremia

A serum sodium level greater than $145\,mEq/L$, characterized by thirst, dry mucous membranes, and irritability.

Hypokalemia

A serum potassium level below $3.5\,mEq/L$, causing weak/irregular heart rates, muscle weakness, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia

A serum potassium level greater than $5.0\,mEq/L$, often associated with renal failure and cardiac arrest.

Hypocalcemia

A serum calcium level below $9\,mg/dL$, which can lead to tetany and positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.

Hypercalcemia

A serum calcium level greater than $10.5\,mg/dL$, often caused by prolonged bed rest and leading to kidney stones or pathological fractures.

Hypomagnesemia

A serum magnesium level below $1.5\,mEq/L$, characterized by neuromuscular irritability, tremors, and increased reflexes.

Hypermagnesemia

A serum magnesium level greater than $2.5\,mEq/L$, leading to a warm, flushed appearance and decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Aldosterone

A hormone from the adrenal gland that manages blood pressure by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the kidneys.

ADH (Vasopressin)

A hormone from the hypothalamus that regulates water balance by controlling kidney water absorption.

Infiltration

An IV site complication characterized by swelling, tenderness, coolness, and blanching of the skin.

Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The minimum amount of energy required to maintain body functions in the resting, awake state.

Anabolism

The metabolic process of building complex molecules using energy.

Catabolism

The metabolic process of breaking down molecules to release energy.

BMI Calculation

The formula used to determine Body Mass Index: $\frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\text{Height (m)}^2}$ or $\frac{\text{Weight (lb)}}{\text{Height (in)}^2} \times 703$.

Prealbumin

A nutritional laboratory test with a half-life of $2$ days and a normal range of $16-30\,mg/dL$.

Albumin

A nutritional laboratory test with a half-life of $21$ days and a normal range of $3.5-5.0\,g/dL$.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Intravenous nutritional support given for clients who do not have a functioning gastrointestinal tract.

Anorexia Nervosa

A psychological eating disorder involving limited caloric intake, omission of healthy foods, and excessive exercise.

Bulimia Nervosa

A psychological eating disorder characterized by binging (excessive intake) followed by purging (vomiting).

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins stored in the liver and fat, including Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins excreted through urine, including Vitamin C and the Vitamin B complex.

Vitamin $B_9$ (Folic Acid)

A critical vitamin for DNA and red blood cell formation, especially important during pregnancy.