Chapter 25: Fluid and Electrolytes

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary related to fluids, electrolytes, hormonal regulation, and acid-base balance as presented in Chapter 25.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid within our cells, making up two-thirds of total body fluid and enclosed by the plasma membrane.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside our cells, including interstitial fluid and blood plasma, composes one-third of total body fluid.

Osmolarity

A measure of the concentration of solute particles in a solution, influencing fluid movement between compartments.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from water loss greater than solute loss, leading to hypertonic blood plasma and potential cellular dehydration.

Sensible water loss

Measurable loss of water from the body, including water lost through urine and feces.

Insensible water loss

Unmeasurable loss of water from the body, including water lost through respiration and transpiration.

Fluid imbalance

Occurs when fluid output does not equal fluid intake, characterized by conditions such as dehydration or volume depletion.

Aldosterone

A steroid hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance by controlling their excretion and reabsorption in the kidneys.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Also known as vasopressin, it promotes water retention by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Acid-base balance

The regulation of hydrogen ion concentration in the body, maintaining a normal pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.

Fixed acids

Nonvolatile acids produced from metabolic processes, such as lactic acid and phosphoric acid.

Volatile acids

Acids that can evaporate and are produced when carbon dioxide combines with water, such as carbonic acid.

Hypernatremia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by an elevated level of sodium in the blood.

Hyponatremia

An electrolyte imbalance characterized by a decreased level of sodium in the blood.

Cerebral edema

Excess fluid in the brain that can lead to increased intracranial pressure, headaches, and potential coma.

Hyperchloremia

An excess of chloride ions in the blood, indicating possible dehydration or excessive intake.

Hypochloremia

A deficiency of chloride ions in the blood, usually due to loss from vomiting or excessive filtering by the kidneys.

Hypercalcemia

An elevated calcium level in the blood, which can lead to complications such as cardiac arrest.

Hypocalcemia

A low calcium level in the blood, which may result from dietary deficiencies or vitamin D deficiency.

Renin-angiotensin system

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance through the production of angiotensin II.