Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to fluid and electrolyte balance, essential for understanding physiology and clinical practices.

Fluid Deficit

A condition resulting from a loss of body fluids, potentially leading to dehydration.

Dehydration

A state where the body loses more fluids than it takes in, affecting bodily functions.

Hypovolemia

A decrease in the volume of blood in the body.

Estimated Blood Loss

An approximation of the amount of blood lost during surgery or other procedures, expressed in cc's.

Skin Turgor

A measure of skin elasticity and hydration, assessing fluid balance.

Fluid Balance

The maintenance of the proper amount and distribution of body fluids.

Polyuria

Excessive urination often seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus.

Oliguria

A condition where urine output is less than 400 cc in a 24-hour period.

Anuria

No urine output, often indicating severe renal impairment.

Capillary Refill Time

A test to measure the time it takes for color to return to an external capillary bed after pressure is applied.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the elimination of water and electrolytes through urine.

Isotonic Solution

A fluid with the same osmolarity as body fluids, used for rehydration.

Hypotonic Solution

A fluid that has a lower osmolarity than body fluids, causing cells to swell.

Hypertonic Solution

A fluid that has a higher osmolarity than body fluids, causing cells to shrink.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption.

Sodium Levels

Normal sodium levels range 135-145 mEq/L; high levels may indicate dehydration.

Potassium Levels

Normal potassium levels range 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; high levels can lead to cardiac issues.

Calcium's Role

Essential for bone health; regulated by the parathyroid hormone.

Phosphorus

An essential mineral important for energy metabolism and buffering system.

Magnesium

An electrolyte that plays a critical role in muscle and nerve function.

Urine Output Importance

Monitoring urine output is crucial for assessing fluid balance.

Daily Weights

Used to assess fluid retention and losses over time.

Crystalloids

IV fluids that contain small molecules able to pass through cell membranes.

Colloids

IV fluids that contain larger molecules, often used to expand blood volume.

Fluid Overload

A condition resulting from excessive fluid intake or retention.

Nausea and Vomiting

Common causes of fluid loss and can lead to dehydration.

Burns Effects

Cause significant fluid loss due to damage to skin integrity.

Bleeding

Loss of blood can lead to significant fluid deficit measured in cc's.

IV Hydration

Administration of fluids directly into a vein to restore hydration.

Fluid Shifts

Movement of fluid between compartments in the body, often in response to changes in osmolarity.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Conditions caused by abnormal levels of electrolytes in the body.

Dextrose and Insulin

Used together to help manage high potassium levels by driving potassium back into cells.

Chronic Conditions

Diseases that can lead to fluid or electrolyte disturbances, such as heart failure.

Monitoring Trends

Assessing changes in laboratory values over time to guide treatment.

Clinical Assessment

Regular checks for signs and symptoms of fluid or electrolyte imbalances.

Seizure Precautions

Measures taken to prevent injury during a seizure, often required for patients with low sodium.

Fluid Restriction

Limiting fluid intake as a treatment for conditions like hyponatremia.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dry lips, cracked skin, dizziness, and low urine output.

Thirst Response

A physiological drive to consume fluids when dehydration occurs.

Burn Care

Fluid resuscitation is critical in managing burns to prevent shock.

Potassium Sources

Bananas and other fruits are rich sources of dietary potassium.

Rehydration Solutions

Electrolyte solutions used to promptly replace lost fluids.

Hypovolemic Shock

A life-threatening condition resulting from severe fluid loss.

Osmolarity

A measure of solute concentration in a solution, important for fluid balance.

Hyperkalemia

A condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood.

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low sodium levels in the blood.

Tachycardia

An increased heart rate often compensating for low fluid volume.

Concentrated Urine

Urine with high specific gravity indicating dehydration.

IV Calcium Gluconate

Administered to patients with low calcium levels.

Assessment Techniques

Observations such as skin turgor and capillary refill are part of fluid status evaluation.

Electrolyte Therapy

Treatment aimed at correcting imbalances in body electrolytes.

Claims on Dietary Supplements

Should be approached with caution regarding their effects on hydration and electrolyte levels.