Master Nursing Study Guide: Homeostasis, Perfusion, Shock, Kidney, and Immune System

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in homeostasis, perfusion, shock, kidney function, and immune system.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Perfusion

The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues via the cardiovascular system.

Hypothalamus

Main regulator of body temperature using mechanisms like sweating and shivering.

pH Regulation

Maintained by buffers, lungs, and kidneys to control CO₂ and bicarbonate balance.

Aldosterone

Hormone that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels, maintaining fluid balance.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that promotes water retention in the kidneys.

Compensatory Mechanisms

Physiological responses to maintain homeostasis during stress or imbalance.

Hypovolemia

A state of decreased blood volume, often due to fluid or blood loss.

Hypovolemic Shock

A severe condition resulting from significant fluid loss leading to decreased perfusion.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to tissues, causing oxygen deprivation.

Neural Compensation (SNS)

Sympathetic nervous system response increasing heart rate and vasoconstriction.

Fluid Volume

The amount of fluid in the body, regulated primarily by kidneys and heart.

Electrolyte Balance

Maintenance of correct concentrations of ions in the body fluids.

Capillary Shift

Movement of fluid into blood vessels to temporarily increase plasma volume.

Hypervolemia

An increase in blood volume, often leading to edema.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate, often seen in hypovolemic conditions.

Organ Dysfunction

Impairment of normal organ function due to inadequate perfusion.

Oliguria

A condition of low urine output, indicating possible renal impairment.

Epinephrine

Hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that increases heart rate and contractility.

Lactic Acidosis

A condition resulting from anaerobic metabolism, leading to increased acidity in the body.

Neutrophils

Immune cells that respond quickly to bacterial infections through phagocytosis.

Macrophages

Immune cells involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation to activate lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes

Immune cells responsible for targeted immunity, including B and T cells.

NK Cells (Natural Killer Cells)

Immune cells that destroy virus-infected and tumor cells.

Urine Output

The volume of urine produced, an important indicator of kidney function.

Fluid Resuscitation

The process of restoring fluid balance in patients with hypovolemia.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, often a sign of shock.

Organ Failure

The inability of an organ to function properly, often due to prolonged hypoxia.

Thirst

A physiological response to dehydration or low fluid volume.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to redirect blood flow and increase blood pressure.

Fluid Loss Management

Strategies to stop fluid loss and restore volume in hypovolemic patients.

CO₂ Control

The regulation of carbon dioxide levels in the body to maintain pH balance.

HCO3– (Bicarbonate)

A buffer that helps maintain acid-base balance in the body.

Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

Hormone that promotes sodium and fluid excretion to reduce blood pressure.

Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeats that may result from electrolyte imbalances.

Delirium

An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.

Palmar Pallor

Pale appearance of the palms, often indicating poor perfusion.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart function.

Hypernatremia

Elevated sodium levels in the blood, often resulting from dehydration.

Biochemical Markers

Substances measured in the blood to assess organ function and homeostasis.

Kidney Function

The role of kidneys in regulating fluid, electrolytes, acid-base balance and waste removal.

Phagocytosis

The process by which immune cells ingest and destroy pathogens.

Capillary Permeability

The ability of capillaries to allow substances to pass through, often altered in shock.

Initial Stage of Shock

Characterized by mild fluid loss (<15%) and normal blood pressure.

Compensatory Stage of Shock

Characterized by 15-30% fluid loss, resulting in tachycardia and cool skin.

Progressive Stage of Shock

Characterized by 30-40% fluid loss, leading to hypotension and confusion.

Refractory Stage of Shock

Characterized by fluid loss exceeding 40%, resulting in severe hypotension and organ failure.

Temperature Regulation

Processes managed by the hypothalamus to maintain stable body temperature.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low platelet count in the blood.

Fluid Replacement Therapy

Treatment strategy to counteract hypovolemia by restoring blood volume.

Systemic Circulation

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Pulmonary Circulation

The part of the cardiovascular system that carries blood between the heart and lungs.

Intravenous Crystalloids

Fluids containing electrolytes administered intravenously to increase blood volume.

Blood Transfusion

The process of transferring blood or blood components into a person's circulation.

Nutrient Delivery

The provision of essential nutrients to tissues, crucial for cellular function.

Fluid Management

The systematic approach to maintain optimal fluid balance in patients.

Chronic Kidney Disease

A gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Sepsis

A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.

Chronic Hypoxia

Long-term deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Urine Concentration

The process through which kidneys regulate the concentration of urine based on fluid balance.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by increased acidity in blood or tissues.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by decreased acidity in blood or tissues.

Blood Volume

The amount of blood in the circulatory system, crucial for effective perfusion.

Osmoregulation

The regulation of osmotic pressure in the body, primarily by the kidneys.

Kidney Regulation of BP

The role of kidneys in maintaining blood pressure through fluid balance.

Bacterial Infections

Infections caused by bacteria, often leading to an increase in neutrophils.

Viral Infections

Infections caused by viruses, often leading to an increase in lymphocytes.

Clinical Note

A note providing important information about a specific clinical issue.

Acute Kidney Injury

A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage.

Fluid Reserves

The body's stored fluid that can be mobilized during times of need.

Capillary Fluid Exchange

The process through which fluids and solutes move between capillaries and surrounding tissues.

Emergency Response

The immediate actions taken in response to a medical emergency.

Invasive Monitoring

Techniques used to directly measure physiological status in critically ill patients.

Cardiovascular Tone

The degree of constriction of blood vessels, influencing blood pressure.

Endocrine Function

The role of glands in releasing hormones that regulate bodily functions.

Physiological Stress

The body's response to perceived threats or challenges affecting homeostasis.

Tissue Perfusion

The flow of blood through the body's tissues, delivering essential nutrients.

Hypervolemic Shock

A shock state resulting from fluid overload, typically due to excessive administration of fluids.

Nutrient Deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients necessary for bodily functions.

Immune Activation

The process by which the immune system is triggered in response to pathogens.

Fluid Shift

The movement of fluid between different compartments in the body.

Oxygen Saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.

Renal Regulation

How the kidneys maintain electrolyte and fluid balance.

Homeostatic Imbalances

Disruptions in the body's processes that can lead to disease.

Defensive Immunity

The body's ability to defend against pathogens through immune responses.

Clinical Assessment

The comprehensive evaluation of a patient to identify health status.

Infection Control

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections.

Risk Stratification

The process of determining the risk level of a patient based on clinical data.

Immunosuppression

A reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute.

Fluid Therapy

The administration of fluids to maintain or restore normal fluid balance.

Severity of Shock

The classification of shock based on the percentage of fluid loss and its impact on the body.

Cognitive Impairment

Difficulties with memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, often seen in hypoxia.

Respiratory Compensation

The increase in respiration to regulate pH and manage CO₂ levels.

Anemia

A deficiency in red cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Hemodynamic Stability

The stability of blood flow and blood pressure in the body.