Fluids and Electrolytes

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering fluids, electrolytes, and their clinical significance.

Intracellular Fluids (ICF)

Fluids found inside cells, crucial for body functionality, accounting for 60% of total body fluid volume.

Extracellular Fluids (ECF)

Fluids located outside cells, primarily containing sodium as the most abundant electrolyte.

Osmotic Pressure

Pressure required to prevent the net movement of solvent molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure exerted by a contained fluid against the walls of its container, influencing fluid movement.

Oncotic Pressure

Pressure exerted by proteins in blood plasma that holds water within the vascular compartment.

Osmosis

Movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lesser solute concentration to an area of greater concentration.

Hypervolemia

A condition characterized by increased fluid retention in the intravascular compartment, often linked to various health conditions.

Hypovolemia

A state of decreased fluid volume in the body, typically caused by loss greater than intake.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by controlling fluid output.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cellular mechanism that actively transports sodium out of cells and potassium into cells, crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance.

Hypernatremia

Abnormally high sodium levels in the blood, often associated with water loss.

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, which can cause neurologic symptoms.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to serious cardiac issues.

Hypokalemia

Low blood potassium levels that can result in muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

Hypercalcemia

High levels of calcium in the blood, leading to various systemic effects.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in the blood, resulting in muscle cramps and potential tetany.

Hyperphosphatemia

High phosphorus levels in the blood, often linked to kidney disease.

Hypophosphatemia

Low serum phosphorus levels that can result in muscle weakness and seizures.

Hypermagnesemia

Elevated magnesium levels that can cause lethargy and cardiac issues.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium levels associated with various manifestations including dysrhythmias.

Acidosis

A condition where the body fluids have an excess of hydrogen ions, leading to decreased pH.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by excess bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions, resulting in increased pH.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

Tests that measure the acidity and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Daily Weights

An important assessment tool used to evaluate fluid status in patients.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

A disruption in the normal levels of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to various health complications.

Insensible Losses

Fluid losses that cannot be measured, such as through respiration and evaporation from the skin.