Fluid and Electrolytes Lecture

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and clinical manifestations related to fluid and electrolytes, including their imbalances, transport methods, and urinary and bowel eliminations.

Electrolytes

Substances whose molecules separate into ions when placed in water.

Cations

Electrically charged particles with a positive charge (e.g., Sodium Na⁺, Potassium K⁺, Calcium Ca²⁺).

Anions

Electrically charged particles with a negative charge (e.g., Bicarbonate HCO₃⁻, Chloride Cl⁻).

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cell, making up about two-thirds of the body's water.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside the cell.

Osmosis

Movement of a solvent through a semipermeable membrane from a lower to higher solute concentration.

Diffusion

Movement of a solute from a higher to lower concentration.

Isotonic solution

About the same concentration of water to solute ratio as blood; cells stay the same shape.

Hypotonic solution

Lower concentration of solutes than blood; cells swell as water enters.

Hypertonic solution

Higher concentration of solutes than blood; cells shrink as water leaves.

Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)

Hypervolemia; excess retention of sodium and water in the body.

Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)

Hypovolemia; significant loss of body fluids leading to decreased blood volume.

Dehydration

Body loses more fluids than it consumes, potentially leading to increased serum sodium levels.

Clinical Manifestations of FVE

Weight gain, full bounding pulse, distended neck and peripheral veins, pulmonary symptoms.

Clinical Manifestations of FVD

Weight loss, decreased skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, hypotension.

Testing for Electrolyte Imbalance

Lab testing includes serum electrolyte levels, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

Sodium Imbalance

HYPERNATREMIA (level > 145) and HYPONATREMIA (level < 135); each has distinct causes and treatment.

Potassium Imbalance

HYPERKALEMIA (level > 5) and HYPOKALEMIA (level < 3.5); both can lead to serious complications.

Calcium Imbalance

HYPERCALCEMIA (level > 11) and HYPOCALCEMIA (level < 9); each necessitates different interventions.

Urinary Elimination

Controls blood concentration and composition and rids the body of excess fluid and electrolytes.

Urinary Incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine that indicates impaired bladder control.

Ostomy

A surgical opening in which part of the bowel is resected, forming a stoma for elimination.

Bowel Elimination

Formation and expulsion of feces, a complex process involving retention of nutrients while removing waste.

Constipation

Passage of fewer than three bowel movements per week or difficulty passing stool.