Chapter 22: Fluids

Question 1

What is the normal range of potassium in blood plasma?

Answer 1

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/liter

Question 2

What is hypokalemia?

Answer 2

This is when potassium levels are below 3.5 mEq/liter. It can cause muscle fatigue, flaccid paralysis, mental confusion, increased urine output, shallow respirations, and changes in the electrocardiogram

Question 3

What term is used to refer to the situation where required water and solutes are present and correctly proportioned in the body?

Answer 3

Water balance

Question 4

What is metabolic water?

Answer 4

This is water that is produced by chemical reactions in the body

Question 5

If a person unable to produce ADH consumes a large quantity of water, how would their urine compare to someone with normal ADH production?

Answer 5

An intake of plain water would decrease the osmotic pressure of blood and interstitial fluid. Within minutes, ADH secretion
shuts down. Thus, urine volume would be comparable to someone with normal ADH levels.

Question 6

What term refers to the situation where water loss is greater than water gain?

Answer 6

Dehydration

Question 7

What enzyme is increased in production by the kidneys following a drop in blood pressure?

Answer 7

Renin

Question 8

What do osteoclast cells do in response to an increase in PTH levels?

Answer 8

Osteoclasts will perform bone resorption to increased levels of parathyroid hormone. Osteoclasts will release calcium from the bone matrix to increase calcium levels in blood plasma