Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid–Base Balance- Exam 1

What percent of the body is water?

60%—> 40% is intracellular, 20% is extracellular.—> ext: 15% is interstitial fluid, 5% plasma.

What is hydrostatic pressure?

the outward pressure of plasma against the walls of capillaries (push out)

What is oncotic pressure?

the pressure of plasma proteins due to their osmotic effect (pull in)

What is hypovolemia?

• Fluid volume deficit and decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure

• Causes: dehydration, blood loss, excess diuretics

• Body Response: RAAS activated → retain sodium and water, Baroreceptors sense low pressure→ increase heart rate and vasoconstriction

• Symptoms: flat neck veins, increase HR, low BP, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes

What is hypervolemia?

• Expansion of extracellular fluid volume

• Causes: hypernatremia (too much Na+), heart, liver or kidney failure

• Treatment: ACE inhibitors, diuretics

• Symptoms: jugular vein distention, bounding heart rate, increase BP, increase urine output, wet lung sounds

What is the role of sodium?

• cation (attracted to a negative charge)

  • Normal Function: fluid regulation, most responsible for osmosis 

  • Disturbance: cell swells or shrinks

What is the role of potassium?

• cation (attracted to a negative charge)

  • Normal Function: resting membrane potential (excitable tissue)

  • Disturbance: cellular membrane issues

    • “K” for cardiac

What is acidosis?

excess H+ (kidneys regulate)

What is alkalosis?

loss of H+ (kidneys regulate)

What is acidemia?

pH < 7.35

What is alkalemia?

pH > 7.45

What regulates pH?

lungs and kidneys

What is the role of the lungs in pH regulation?

 regulate carbon dioxide

What is the role of the kidneys in pH regulation?

excrete H+, reabsorption of bicarbonate.