WATER BALANCE AND ELECTROLYTES

What is the average water content of the human body?

40-75%.

What are the two main compartments of body water?

Intracellular Fluid (ICF) and Extracellular Fluid (ECF).

What stimulates the release of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)?

Increased ECF osmolality.

What percentage of sodium is reabsorbed in the renal tubule?

70%.

What is hyponatremia?

An electrolyte disturbance where sodium concentration in the serum is lower than normal (less than 135 mEq/L).

What are some causes of hyponatremia?

Use of diuretics, Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH secretion, Aldosterone deficit.

What symptoms are associated with severe hyponatremia?

Seizures, coma, and respiratory depression.

What is pseudohyponatremia?

A condition where Na+ is measured inaccurately in a hyperproteinemic patient.

What is hypernatremia?

A condition characterized by serum sodium concentration above the upper limit of the reference interval.

What are the symptoms of hypernatremia?

CNS issues including altered mental status, lethargy, irritability, seizures, and increased thirst.

What is the major cation in extracellular fluid?

Sodium (Na+).

Hyperkalemia.

What condition is characterized by a serum potassium concentration above the upper limit?

8.8-10.3 mg/dL (2.20-2.58 mmol/L).

What is the normal reference interval for serum calcium?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.

What regulates serum calcium levels?

Insufficient PTH production leading to low calcium levels.

What is the primary cause of hypoparathyroidism?

A condition where serum phosphorus concentration is below the lower limit of the reference interval.

What is hypophosphatemia?

Ion Selective Electrode (ISE).

What analytical method uses ion-specific electrodes to measure calcium levels?

By addressing renal failure or reducing dietary intake of phosphorus.

How is hyperphosphatemia typically treated?

Potassium (K+).

What is the major cation in intracellular fluid?

3.5-5.0 mEq/L.

What is the normal reference interval for serum potassium?

Hypokalemia.

What condition is characterized by a serum potassium concentration below the lower limit?

Muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias.

What are the symptoms of hypokalemia?

A condition characterized by episodes of muscle weakness due to low potassium levels.

What is hypokalemic periodic paralysis?

It is crucial for maintaining cellular function and normal muscle and nerve function.

What role does potassium play in the cell?

It helps maintain osmotic balance and is a component of gastric acid (HCl).

What is chloride's function in the body?

98-106 mEq/L.

What is the normal reference interval for serum chloride?

Hypochloremia.

What condition is characterized by a low serum chloride level?

Severe vomiting, metabolic alkalosis, or use of diuretics.

What can cause hypochloremia?

Potassium and chloride levels can affect each other, especially in renal function and electrolyte balance.

What is the relationship between potassium and chloride in the body?

Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

What role does calcium play in the body?

Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption in the intestines.

What is the effect of vitamin D on calcium metabolism?

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

What is the relationship between calcium and bone density?

Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods are rich in calcium.

What dietary sources are high in calcium?

Osteoporosis.

What condition is characterized by low bone mass and increased fracture risk?

How does the body compensate for low calcium levels?

The body may increase parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion to mobilize calcium from bones.

What effect does excessive calcium intake have on the body?

It can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones.

What is calcium citrate?

A calcium supplement that is well absorbed and can be taken with or without food.

How do calcium and potassium contribute to cardiac health?

Calcium and potassium together help maintain normal heart function.

What role does potassium play in calcium homeostasis in the body?

Potassium is important for calcium excretion in the kidneys.

What is the consequence of low potassium on calcium retention in relation to bone health?

Inadequate potassium can lead to increased calcium retention, affecting bone health.

What impact can calcium supplements have on potassium concentrations?

Calcium supplementation can affect potassium levels in some individuals.

What roles do calcium and potassium play in muscle physiology?

Both calcium and potassium are essential in muscle contraction.

How can one monitor calcium and potassium levels in the body?

Calcium and potassium levels can be assessed through blood tests.

What is the effect of high potassium levels on calcium regulation?

Excessive potassium intake can disrupt calcium metabolism.

What is the relationship between calcium intake and blood pressure in the context of potassium?

Calcium can help mitigate the hypertensive effects of high potassium intake.

What is the role of calcium and potassium in the nervous system?

Both calcium and potassium are involved in neurotransmission and nerve function.

How does potassium facilitate calcium's function at cellular levels?

Potassium aids in the transport of calcium across cell membranes.