electrolytes Flashcards
What are the two compartments of fluid in the body?
Intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF)
ICF makes up 70% of total body water, while ECF makes up 30%
What percentage of total body water does the intracellular fluid represent?
70%
This is also 40% of body weight
What are the two major areas of extracellular fluid?
- Intravascular (plasma)
- Interstitial fluids
Minor area includes transcellular fluids
How does body fat influence total body water?
Fat cells contain little water; lean tissue is water-rich
Women and obese individuals have less body water due to higher body fat
What is the average total body water percentage for healthy adults?
50% to 60% of body weight
What is the role of water in the body?
- Transporting nutrients and wastes
- Facilitating cellular metabolism
- Acting as a solvent
- Helping maintain normal body temperature
- Facilitating digestion
- Promoting elimination
What is the daily fluid intake from ingested food?
1,000 mL
What is the primary solvent in the human body?
Water
What are solutes?
Substances dissolved in a solution
Define cations and name four examples.
Cations are ions with a positive charge. Examples: * Sodium * Potassium * Calcium * Hydrogen
What is homeostasis in the context of electrolytes?
Total cations equal to total anions
What is osmosis?
Water passes from an area of low solute concentration to high concentration until equilibrium is established
What is the function of the kidneys in fluid and electrolyte balance?
Filter plasma, excrete urine, and regulate extracellular fluid
What hormone does the pituitary gland release to regulate fluid balance?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
What is the normal serum sodium level?
135 - 145 mEq/L
What is the chief electrolyte of extracellular fluid?
Sodium
What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?
- Thirst
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Coma
What is the function of potassium in the body?
Controls intracellular osmolarity and regulates cell enzymes
What are the signs of hypokalemia?
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Cramps
- Paresthesia
- Decreased bowel motility
- Dysrhythmias
What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
- Cancer
- Hyperparathyroidism
What is the normal serum calcium level?
8.4 - 10.5 mg/dL
What are the signs of hypomagnesemia?
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Mental changes
- Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- Cardiac arrhythmias
True or False: Fluid volume excess is known as hypervolemia.
True
What is hypovolemia?
Loss of extracellular fluid volume exceeding fluid intake
What is a significant finding of hypervolemia?
Edema and weight gain
What is one self-care behavior to promote fluid and electrolyte balance?
Consume about 1.5 quarts of water per day
What should be monitored to assess fluid and electrolyte balance?
- Fluid intake and output
- Daily weights
- Serum electrolytes
What is the expected outcome for a patient regarding fluid intake and output?
The patient will achieve fluid intake and output balances as intake of _____ and output of ___________ in 2 days.
What are the nursing diagnoses related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
- Fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia)
- Fluid volume excess (hypervolemia)
- Impaired fluid intake
What is overhydration?
Above-normal amounts of water in extracellular spaces
Overhydration can lead to various health issues, including edema.
Define edema.
Excessive ECF accumulates in tissue spaces
Common areas for edema include eyes, ankles, and sacral space.
What are common signs of edema?
Weight gain in excess of 5% and accumulation in or around body organs
Edema can be indicative of underlying health conditions.
What is hyponatremia?
Low sodium levels in the blood
Can lead to neurological symptoms and is a type of electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypernatremia?
High sodium levels in the blood
Often results from dehydration and can cause neurological issues.
What is hypokalemia?
Low potassium levels in the blood
Can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac problems.
What is hyperkalemia?
High potassium levels in the blood
Can cause serious cardiac disturbances.
What is hypocalcemia?
Low calcium levels in the blood
May result in muscle cramps and spasms.
What is hypercalcemia?
High calcium levels in the blood
Can lead to kidney stones and other complications.
What is hypomagnesemia?
Low magnesium levels in the blood
Can cause neuromuscular excitability and cardiovascular issues.
What is hypermagnesemia?
High magnesium levels in the blood
Can lead to muscle weakness and respiratory failure.
What are the nursing implementations for fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
Prevent and correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Nursing process includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
