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A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering fluid compartments, transport mechanisms, dehydration, hyper/hypovolemia, and common electrolyte disturbances as presented in the notes.
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What are the two main body fluid compartments and their approximate proportions?
Intracellular fluid (ICF) makes up about two-thirds of body water; extracellular fluid (ECF) makes up about one-third. ECF is further divided into intravascular fluid, interstitial fluid, and transcellular fluid.
Name the two broad transport methods by which fluids and electrolytes move between body compartments.
Active transport (uses energy, e.g., Na+/K+ pump) and passive transport (diffusion, filtration, osmosis).
What are insensible water losses?
Water loss that cannot be measured easily, occurring through the skin and respiratory tract.
What is the minimum urine output needed to excrete toxic waste products?
400–600 mL per 24 hours.
What are the two types of dehydration described in the notes?
Actual dehydration and isotonic dehydration (hypovolemia).
List common signs of dehydration.
Altered vital signs, GI issues, oliguria, decreased capillary refill, and poor skin turgor.
What laboratory changes are typically seen with dehydration?
Increased hematocrit (Hct), increased BUN, urine specific gravity >1.030, Na+ >145 mEq/L, and serum osmolality >295 mOsm/kg.
What geriatric factors increase the risk for dehydration?
Less total body water, diminished thirst reflex, decreased skin turgor, and potential medication side effects.
What pediatric factors increase the risk for dehydration?
Higher percentage of body water, reduced ability to concentrate/acidify urine, increased surface area, higher metabolic rate, and immature immune system.
What phrase describes the need for fluid intake and the loss of fluids in regulating balance?
Fluid intake is driven by thirst; fluid loss occurs through insensible water loss and other routes.
What is osmosis?
Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.
What is osmolality and how does it differ from osmolarity?
Osmolality measures solute concentration per kilogram of solvent; osmolarity measures solute concentration per liter.
What are hyponatremia risk factors listed in the notes?
Excessive sweating, diuretics, wound drainage, NGT suction, kidney disease, NPO status, hyperglycemia, low-sodium diet, hypotonic fluid excess, freshwater submersion, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure, some medications (e.g., SSRIs), older age.
What are hypernatremia risk factors listed in the notes?
Kidney failure, Cushing’s syndrome, aldosteronism, certain medications (glucocorticosteroids), excessive sodium intake, water deprivation, diabetes insipidus, heatstroke, hyperventilation, burns.
What is the normal serum sodium range?
136–145 mEq/L.
What are hypokalemia risk factors?
Overuse of diuretics, Cushing’s syndrome, increased aldosterone, vomiting, NGT suction, NPO status, kidney disease, alkalosis, hyperinsulinism, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), water intoxication.
What are signs of hypokalemia?
Shallow respirations, irritability, confusion, weakness, arrhythmias (tachycardia), lethargy, thready pulse, nausea/vomiting, ileus.
What are hyperkalemia risk factors?
Overconsumption of high-potassium foods, rapid potassium replacement, RBC transfusions, adrenal insufficiency, kidney failure, acidosis (e.g., DKA), tissue damage, older age.
What are common hyperkalemia signs and EKG changes?
Muscle twitches/cramps, paresthesia, irritability, anxiety, increased BP; EKG changes such as tall peaked T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR, and potential dysrhythmias.
What is the normal calcium range?
9.0–10.5 mg/dL.
What are common causes of hypocalcemia?
Chronic renal failure with high phosphate, hypoparathyroidism, lack of dietary calcium and vitamin D.
What are common causes of hypercalcemia?
Cancer metastasis to bones, hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin D poisoning.
What are the key signs of Kussmaul respirations and what do they indicate?
Deep, rapid respirations indicating metabolic acidosis.
What is the sign for dehydration in infants highlighted by the pediatric notes?
Sunken fontanelle and sunken eyes with reduced tear production, tachypnea, and reduced consciousness/turgor in severe cases.
What is the recommended nursing management for dehydration-related hypovolemic shock?
Provide oxygen, monitor oxygen saturation, stay with the unstable client, frequent VS (e.g., every 15 minutes), administer fluids, consider colloids or crystalloids, monitor hemodynamics.
What is the position recommended for pulmonary edema management?
High-Fowler’s position.
What are examples of fluid volume excess (hypervolemia) signs?
Tachycardia, bounding pulse, hypertension, tachypnea, increased JVD, edema, weight gain, crackles, dyspnea.
What are typical laboratory indications of fluid volume excess?
Decreased hematocrit and BUN, decreased urine specific gravity, decreased serum osmolality.
What is the definition of fluid volume overload (hypervolemia)?
Excess fluid in the body due to increased intake or decreased elimination, leading to an overall positive fluid balance.
What are common sodium-related notes about fluid shifts—“where sodium goes, water follows”—and its implication?
Water follows sodium; disturbances in sodium balance drive water shifts between compartments, affecting osmolality and fluid distribution.
What are the normal ranges for potassium and the caution with alterations?
Potassium normal range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L; disturbances can cause serious cardiac and neuromuscular effects.
What is the relationship between extracellular fluid (ECF) and intravascular fluid?
Intravascular fluid is a component of the extracellular fluid compartment.
What is the minimum urine output needed in 24 hours to excrete toxic waste products?
400-600 mL
A major complication of dehydration where the MAP decreases significantly is
Hypovolemic shock
Fluid volume excess is also known as
Hypervolemia
Which laboratory finding is consistent with hypovolemia (dehydration)?
Urine Specific Gravity: Greater than 1.030
A client experiencing overhydration would likely exhibit which vital sign change?
Tachycardia
Which of the following is an expected finding in a client with hypervolemia
Crackles in the lungs
Which condition is a risk factor for hyponatremia?
SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)
The absorption of calcium requires an active form of which vitamin?
Vitamin D