Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance Vocabulary

Flashcards on Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance

Cell Membrane

Controls exchange between ICF and ECF through diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Inside cells; contains ~66% of total body water.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Outside cells; contains ~33% of total body water.

Na+ (Sodium)

Fluid balance, nerve transmission. Main cation in ECF.

K+ (Potassium)

Muscle and nerve function. Main cation in ICF.

ADH

Water reabsorption in kidneys.

Aldosterone

Retains Na+ and water, excretes K+.

ANP

Promotes excretion of Na+ and water.

RAAS

Increases BP and volume through vasoconstriction and Na+ retention.

Diffusion

Solutes move from high to low concentration; no energy required.

Osmosis

Water moves from low to high solute concentration; no energy required.

Tonicity

Effect of a solution on cell volume.

Isotonic

Solution with no effect on cell volume.

Hypertonic

Solution that causes cells to shrink.

Hypotonic

Solution that causes cells to swell.

Acid

Donates H+; pH < 7.

Base

Accepts H+/donates OH-; pH > 7.

Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of pH within a narrow range to maintain physiological function.

Acidosis

pH < 7.35

Alkalosis

pH > 7.45

Bicarbonate Buffer

Main pH buffer in ECF.

Starling's Principle

Fluid movement depends on balance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressure.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pushes fluid out of capillaries.

Oncotic Pressure

Pulls fluid into capillaries.

Tranexamic Acid

Antifibrinolytic drug used to prevent excessive bleeding.

Shock

MAP < 65 mmHg, reduced tissue perfusion.

ADH (in response to Low BP)

Increases water reabsorption in response to low BP.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Uncontrolled clotting leading to consumption of clotting factors and bleeding.