Fluid, Electrolytes, IV Fluids, and Blood Transfusions

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering fluid volume imbalances, electrolyte ranges and manifestations, IV fluid types, peripheral/central line complications, and blood components.

Hypervolemia

Fluid volume excess characterized by too much fluid WITH electrolytes.

Overhydration

Fluid volume excess characterized by too much fluid, leading to diluted electrolytes.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition characterized by excessive ADH release, causing the body to hold onto too much water and leading to fluid overload.

Dehydration

Fluid volume deficit characterized specifically by a lack of fluid.

Hypovolemia

Fluid volume deficit characterized by a lack of both fluid AND electrolytes.

Oliguria

Decreased urine output where urine is dark and concentrated; a renal sign of fluid volume deficit.

Sodium (Na)

The major extracellular fluid (ECF) electrolyte with a normal range of $135\text{--}145\,\text{mEq/L}$ that regulates fluid balance and neurological/neuromuscular impulse conduction.

Potassium (K)

The major intracellular fluid (ICF) electrolyte with a normal range of $3.5\text{--}5\,\text{mEq/L}$ that primarily functions in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue.

Calcium (Ca)

An electrolyte with a normal serum range of $9\text{--}10.5\,\text{mg/dL}$ regulated by parathyroid hormone and Vitamin D, essential for blood clotting, bone density, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, hormone secretion, and cardiac function.

Magnesium (Mg)

An electrolyte with a normal serum range of $1.3\text{--}2.1\,\text{mEq/L}$ that supports bone and teeth development and protein synthesis, and is not measured on a standard BMP.

Hyponatremia

A serum sodium level below $135\,\text{mEq/L}$, causing water to move from ECF to ICF and swelling brain cells; characterized by confusion, irritability, muscle twitching, and seizures.

Hypernatremia

A serum sodium level above $145\,\text{mEq/L}$, causing water to move out of cells and shrink them; managed with hypotonic fluids and encouraging water intake.

Hypokalemia

A serum potassium level below $3.5\,\text{mEq/L}$, characterized by arrhythmias, weak irregular pulse, hypotension, ascending muscle weakness, constipation, and paralysis.

Hyperkalemia

A serum potassium level above $5\,\text{mEq/L}$, caused by tissue breakdown, burns, renal failure, or potassium-sparing diuretics; managed with diuretics, dialysis, insulin, or Kayexalate.

Hypocalcemia

A serum calcium level below $9\,\text{mg/dL}$, presenting with chest pain, hypotension, numbness/tingling, muscle tetany/spasms, hyperactive bowel, laryngospasm, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.

Hypercalcemia

A serum calcium level above $10.5\,\text{mg/dL}$, presenting with groans (abdominal pain, hypoactive bowel), bones (pain), stones (kidney stones), and moans (psychosis, fatigue).

Hypomagnesemia

A serum magnesium level below $1.3\,\text{mEq/L}$, presenting with nausea/vomiting, numbness/tingling, muscle tetany/spasms, hyperactive bowel, seizures, dysrhythmias, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.

Hypermagnesemia

A serum magnesium level above $2.1\,\text{mEq/L}$, presenting with dizziness, weakness, lethargy, decreased reflexes, paralysis, decreased HR/RR/BP, and cardiac arrest; treated with calcium or dialysis.

Chvostek's and Trousseau's Signs

Physical assessment findings that test positive in patients experiencing either hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Body fluid compartment located inside cells, comprising $\frac{2}{3}$ of total body fluid in adults.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Body fluid compartment located outside cells, comprised of intravascular plasma, extravascular interstitial and lymphatic fluids, and transcellular fluids.

Osmosis

The process of moving water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration (lower solute) to lower water concentration (higher solute).

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein caused by harsh medications, characterized by a red streak, pain, and warm skin at the IV site.

Infiltration

Leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissues due to a blown or punctured vein, characterized by swelling and skin that is cool to the touch.

Extravasation

Leakage of a vesicant fluid or medication (such as chemotherapy, calcium, or k-dur) into surrounding tissue, causing swelling, redness, heat, pain, and tissue damage.

CLABSI

Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection; a major complication of central venous access prevented using hand hygiene or chlorhexidine (CHG).

Isotonic IV Fluids

Crystalloid fluids such as $0.9\%$ Sodium Chloride (NS) and Lactated Ringers (LR) that remain in the ECF as volume expanders without causing cell size changes.

Hypotonic IV Fluids

Crystalloid fluids such as $0.45\%$ Sodium Chloride ($\frac{1}{2}$ NS), $0.33\%$ Sodium Chloride, $0.2\%$ Sodium Chloride, and $5\%$ Dextrose in Water (D5W) that drive water into cells, causing them to swell.

Hypertonic IV Fluids

Crystalloid fluids such as $3\%$ Sodium Chloride and $5\%$ Dextrose in combination solutions that draw water out of cells, causing them to shrink.

Colloids

Intravenous fluids containing particles that are too large to cross cell membranes, including Albumin and blood products.

Albumin

A protein produced in the liver and administered in $5\%$ or $25\%$ solutions to draw fluid into blood vessels.

Erythrocytes (RBCs)

Red blood cells produced in bone marrow that contain hemoglobin (Hgb) to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Thrombocytes (Platelets)

Blood components produced in bone marrow and influenced by the liver that enable blood clots to form.

Leukocytes (WBCs)

White blood cells that function as part of the immune response to attack infections.