electrolytes Flashcards
define osmolality
physical property of solutoin based on concentration solutes per kilogram of solvent
describe the clinical significance of osmolality
- the parameter to which hypothalamus response
- regulation of osmolality affects plasma sodium concentration
- regulation of sodium and water controls blood volume
how does AVP affect osmolality
AVP increases water retention in kidney, lowering osmolality
- drinking water increases extracellular water -> dilutes out salutes -> decreases osmolality
how is osmolality calculated
2(Na)+(glucose/20)+(BUN/3)
define osmolal gap
difference between calculated and determined osmolality - should be less than 5-10
describe sodium in the body
- most abundant cation (90% of cation [])
- higher concentration outside of cells
- regulated by sodium potassium pumps in response to osmol changes
what is sodiums reference range
135-145 mmol/L
describe the role of potassium in the body
- major intracellular cation (20 times greater w/in cell)
- regulated by kidney
- neuromuscular excitability
- heart contractions
what is the reference range for potassium
3.5-5.1 mmol/L
describe chlorides purpose in the body
- major extracellular anaion
- maintains osmolality, blood vol and electric neutrality
- RR: 98-107
describe bicarb in the body (electrolyte version)
- second most abundant anion in ECF
- major part of buffering system in blood
- exchanged for chloride in cell excretion of CO2
describe magnesium
- fourth most abundant
- mostly in bones/muscles
- free magnesium acts as cofactor and are physiologically active
- regulated by kidneys
describe the importance of calcium
- essential for myocardial contraction
- found in blood and other ECF at 1% of total vol
- increased vols in response to: PTH, vitamin D
- decreased from: calcitonin
how does PTH impact calcium levels
- in bone stimulates osteoclast activity to release calcium
- in kidney promotes reabsorption of calcium
- activates vitamin D to bolster effects in bone marrow
what is the calcium reference range
2.24-2.53 mmol/L