Fluid & Lytes

ABG/arterial blood gas

A test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood to assess lung and metabolic function.

Acid

A substance that increases hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, lowering pH.

Acidosis (respiratory or metabolic)

A condition where blood pH drops below normal due to respiratory (CO2 retention) or metabolic (HCO3 loss or acid buildup) causes.

Albumin

A protein in blood plasma that helps maintain oncotic pressure and fluid balance.

Alkalosis (respiratory or metabolic)

A condition where blood pH rises above normal due to respiratory (CO2 loss) or metabolic (excess HCO3) factors.

Base

A substance that reduces hydrogen ion concentration, increasing pH.

Buffer system

A mechanism that helps maintain pH balance by neutralizing acids and bases.

Capillary colloidal osmotic pressure

The pressure exerted by plasma proteins (mainly albumin) that pulls water into capillaries.

Capillary hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by blood against capillary walls, pushing fluid out into tissues.

Compartmental shifting

Movement of fluids and solutes between different body compartments (intracellular, extracellular).

Compensation

The body's attempt to correct pH imbalances through respiratory or renal adjustments.

Electrolyte

A charged ion (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺) essential for nerve signaling, muscle function, and fluid balance.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside cells, including interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular fluid.

HCO3 (Bicarbonate)

A key buffer that helps regulate blood pH by neutralizing acids.

Hypercalcemia

Excess calcium in the blood, which can cause muscle weakness, kidney stones, and cardiac issues.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium levels in the blood, potentially leading to cardiac arrhythmias.

Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood, often due to dehydration, leading to neurological symptoms.

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher solute concentration than cells, causing water to leave the cells.

Hypervolemia

Excess fluid volume in the blood, leading to hypertension and edema.

Hypocalcemia

Low blood calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps, tetany, and cardiac issues.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium levels in the blood, leading to muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium levels in the blood, causing confusion, seizures, and fluid imbalance.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower solute concentration than cells, causing water to enter the cells.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume, often due to dehydration or blood loss, leading to low blood pressure.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that surrounds and bathes the cells within tissues.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid inside cells, accounting for about two-thirds of total body water.

Intravascular fluid

Fluid within blood vessels, primarily plasma.

Isotonic

A solution with the same solute concentration as cells, maintaining fluid balance.

Isotonic fluid volume deficit

Loss of both water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration and reduced blood volume.

Isotonic fluid volume excess

Retention of both water and electrolytes, causing fluid overload.

PaCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, indicating respiratory function.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity in the blood, with a normal range of 7.35-7.45.

Plasma potassium-hydrogen ion exchange

A mechanism where potassium and hydrogen ions shift between cells and plasma to help regulate pH.

Tetany

Muscle spasms and cramps due to low calcium levels or alkalosis.

Third-spacing

Fluid accumulation in spaces where it shouldn't be, such as the peritoneal or pleural cavity.

Tissue colloidal osmotic pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in tissues to draw fluid from capillaries.

Tissue hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by fluid in tissues against capillary walls, influencing fluid movement.

Transcellular fluid

Fluid found in specialized spaces, such as cerebrospinal, synovial, and pleural fluids.

Volatile

Substances that can be easily vaporized; in physiology, it refers to CO2, which is eliminated via respiration.

Water intoxication

A dangerous condition caused by excessive water intake, leading to electrolyte imbalances and swelling of cells.