Body Fluid Compartments Flashcards
What is the main focus of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disorders?
Clinical evaluation and management of disturbances in body fluids and electrolytes
This includes diagnosing and treating conditions related to fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and acid-base status.
What are the key components evaluated in fluid and electrolyte disorders?
- Volume status
- Electrolyte concentrations
- Acid-base balance
What is the significance of body fluid compartments?
Understanding the distribution of fluids in the body is essential for diagnosing and managing disorders
Body fluids are typically categorized into intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF), which includes interstitial fluid and plasma.
Fill in the blank: The primary extracellular cation is _______.
[sodium]
Fill in the blank: The primary intracellular cation is _______.
[potassium]
True or False: Acid-base balance is solely dependent on bicarbonate levels.
False
Acid-base balance is influenced by multiple factors including carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels, as well as metabolic processes.
What are common causes of hyponatremia?
- Excessive fluid intake
- Diuretic use
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
What is metabolic acidosis?
A condition characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate and an increase in hydrogen ion concentration
This can result from conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, and lactic acidosis.
What are the clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia?
- Muscle weakness
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Nausea
Fill in the blank: The primary treatment for severe hyperkalemia may include _______.
[calcium gluconate or calcium chloride]
What is the role of the kidneys in electrolyte balance?
Regulating the excretion and reabsorption of electrolytes
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by adjusting electrolyte levels based on dietary intake and physiological needs.
What is the anion gap, and why is it important?
A calculated value that helps identify the cause of metabolic acidosis
The anion gap is calculated as (Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-)) and can indicate the presence of unmeasured anions.
What are the potential complications of untreated fluid and electrolyte disorders?
- Cardiac arrest
- Neurological deficits
- Renal failure
Fill in the blank: Hypochloremia is often associated with _______.
[metabolic alkalosis]
What is the clinical significance of urine osmolality?
It helps assess the kidney’s concentrating ability and fluid status
Urine osmolality can indicate whether a patient is appropriately excreting or retaining water.
What is the treatment approach for hypocalcemia?
- Oral calcium supplements
- Intravenous calcium for severe cases
- Vitamin D supplementation
True or False: Hypernatremia is usually a result of excessive sodium intake.
False
Hypernatremia is often due to water loss rather than excessive sodium intake.
What are the common symptoms of dehydration?
- Thirst
- Dry mucous membranes
- Decreased urine output
