Exam 1 fluid and electrolytes Flashcards
What is body fluid composed of?
Body fluid is composed of water and dissolved substances such as electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), nutrients, hormones and enzymes
Why is fluid and electrolyte balance important?
Fluids and electrolytes are essential for body function and to maintain homeostasis.
why is water essential for the body?
Because it transports nutrients e.g glucose, oxygen, hormones and enzymes to cells. Helps in the regulation of body temperature, breaking down food particles in the digestive system and transports waste products of metabolism. (and lots more)
what is osmolality?
A measure of concentration of solutes dissolved
How does the body respond to fluid imbalance on a cellular level?
An imbalance causes insufficient water in the body which decreases blood volume and blood pressure increasing angiotensin ll.
-Increases blood osmolality, stimulates osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, stimulating a dry mouth. These two pathways stimulate the thirst centre in the hypothalamus resulting in water intake decreasing blood osmalality
What causes fluid volume deficit in water?
A loss of water is known as Hypertonic - no water, dehydration from loss of water alone without a loss of sodium
what causes a fluid volume deficit in salt?
A loss of sodium is known as Hypotonic - losing electrolytes and sodium - through sweat and urine
Why are electrolytes important for the body?
Electrolytes have numerous functions in the body. They regular fluid and acid-base balance and are essential in neuromuscular excitability, neuronal function and enzyme reactions
Losing both water and electrolytes…
Isotonic - dehydration, insufficient water and electrolytes in the body
Signs of fluid volume deficit
Low blood pressure, high heart rate, dry mouth and thirst, rapid weightloss, low urine output, confusion, lethargy and low grade fever
Signs of fluid volume excess
Hypervolaemia (excessive fluid in the body), kidney failure, corticosteroids, water intoxication, too much sodium intake
What is hypernatraemia?
Hypernatreamia is increased sodium imbalance
Signs and symptoms of hypernatreamia
F - Fever
R - restless
I - increased fluid retention and BP
E - Oedema (pitting and peripheral)
D - decreased urine output
what is hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is a decreased sodium imbalance
Symptoms of hyponatremia
S - stupor / coma
A - Anorexia
L - Lethargy
T - Tendon reflexes decreased
L - Limp muscles
O - Orthostatic hypotension (low bp)
S - Seizures / headache
S - Stomach cramping
What is hyperkalemia?
increased potassium levels in the blood
symptoms of hyperkalemia
“Murder”
M - Muscle weakness
U - Urine, low urine output, anuria
R - Respiratory distress
D - Decreased cardiac contractility
E - ECG changes
R - Reflexes, extreme reflexes or none
what is hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia is decreased potassium in the blood
Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia
Abnormal heart beat
weakness
low blood pressure
weak pulse
muscle weakness
paralysis
diuresis (increased or excessive urine output)
What is oedema?
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space, occurs if venous hydrostatic pressure arises. Oedema may also develop if an obstruction of lymphatic tissue outflow causes decreased removal of interstitial fluid
treatment of hypernatremia
treat the underlying cause
diuretics
sodium restriction
seizure precautions
if severe dialysis
*reduce sodium slowly to avoid swelling in the brain
treatment of oedema
Adress underlying cause e.g heart failure, and treat it. Medications like diuretics can help remove excess fluid. Monitor weight as this can indicate if treatment is working or not, if theres an increase in weight that can indicate higher fluid levels. Stay hydrated, regular exercise and elevate legs
