Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

A collection of key vocabulary terms related to fluid and electrolyte balance based on lecture notes.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that conduct electricity and are essential for various bodily functions.

Homeostasis

The body's tendency to maintain a stable internal environment, including fluid and electrolyte balance.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

Hypovolemia

A condition characterized by decreased blood volume, which can lead to complications such as dehydration and organ failure.

Hypokalemia

A condition of low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia

A condition of elevated potassium levels in the blood that can cause muscle weakness and life-threatening arrhythmias.

Hyponatremia

A condition of low sodium levels in the blood which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma.

Hypernatremia

A condition of high sodium levels in the blood that can result in neurological manifestations and, if untreated, may lead to death.

Hypocalcemia

A condition of low calcium levels in the blood, which can affect multiple body systems and lead to cardiovascular manifestations.

Hypercalcemia

A condition of high calcium levels in the blood that can lead to kidney stones, confusion, and life-threatening conditions.

Hypomagnesemia

A condition of low magnesium levels that can cause neuromuscular changes and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Hypermagnesemia

A rare but dangerous condition of high magnesium levels that can lead to muscle paralysis and cardiac arrest.

Sensible fluid loss

Measurable fluid losses such as urine, sweat, and liquid stool.

Insensible fluid loss

Fluid losses that are not easily measured, occurring through exhalation and evaporation from the skin.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

A blood test that measures electrolytes, renal function, and glucose levels.

Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A blood test that includes everything in a BMP along with additional tests for protein and liver function.

Serum osmolarity

The measure of solutes within a solution, indicative of hydration status and osmotic balance.

Fluid volume deficit

A term used to describe hypovolemia, indicating that the body has lost both fluid and electrolytes.