Chapter 19: Fluid and electrolyte balance Flashcards
What are electrolytes?
They are substances such as salts that dissolve or break apart in a water solution to form electrically charged atoms.
What does electrolyte balance refer to?
Electrolyte balance refers to homeostasis or relative constancy of normal electrolyte levels in the body fluids.
Explain the concept of Fluid Compartments.
Body fluids can be discussed in terms of their relative Fluid Compartments. They are a group of separated spaces in the body that in many ways function as if they were all in one compartment.
What are the 3 types of Extracellular Fluid?
Plasma, Interstitial Fluid (fluid that surrounds cells), Transcellular Fluid.
What does Intracellular Fluid refer to?
The fluid located inside all the cells of the body.
What are the 3 main factors that regulate plasma, interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid?
➢ Regulating fluid output
➢ Regulating fluid intake
➢ Exchanging fluid among compartments and around the body
What are 2 water-conserving hormones (because they influence water reabsorption in the kidneys)?
ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and aldosterone
What are cations?
All positively charged ions
What are Anions?
All negatively charged ions
What are Ions?
The disassociated particles of an electrolyte.
What is Hypernatremia?
When blood sodium level is more than 145 mEq/L.
What is Hypernatremia?
When blood sodium level is below 136 mEq/L.
What is Hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is the clinical term used to describe blood potassium levels of more than 5.1 mEq/L.
What is Hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia refers to a low blood potassium level (below 3.5 mEq/L).
What is Hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia occurs when blood calcium levels rise above normal limits.
