F&E Imbalances Flashcards
What is the best indicator of overall fluid loss or gain?
Weight
What is an early indicator of a third-space shift?
A decrease in urine output despite adequate fluid intake
Major cations (+)
Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, H+ ions
Major anions (-)
Chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, sulfate, proteinate ions
What is the most prevalent cation in ECF? Anion?
Na, Cl
What is the most prevalent cation in ICF? Anion?
K, PO4
Normal electrolyte levels
Na = 135-145 K = 3.5-5 Cl = 98-106 Ca = 8.5-10.5 PO4 = 2.5-4.5 Mg = 1.8-3
What is normal urine output?
0.5 mL/kg/hr
Fluid loss through…
- Kidney: high urine output (> 1 mL/kg/hr)
- Skin: sensible loss S/T sweating & insensible loss S/T fever, exercise, burns
- Lungs: 300 mL daily, greater w/increased RR
- GI: large losses due to diarrhea and fistulas
What population is @ high risk of fluid imbalances?
Elderly
Difference b/t FVD and dehydration
FVD = electrolytes & fluid lost
Dehydration = loss of water alone, increase in serum Na levels
Causes of FVD
- Vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, GI suction
- Decreased intake S/T nausea, lack of access to fluid
- Third space shift S/T burns, ascites
- Diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency, hemorrhage
S/S of FVD
Acute weight loss, decreased skin turgor, oliguria, concentrated urine, prolonged cap refill, low CVP, decreased BP, flattened neck veins, dizziness, weakness, thirst & confusion, increased HR, cramps, sunken eyes, nausea, increased temp, cool/clammy/pale skin
Lab findings in FVD
Increased H&H, serum & urine osmolality/specific gravity, BUN/creatinine
Decreased urine Na
Nursing interventions FVD
- I&O Q8 hrs (at least)
- Daily weights
- VS, skin & tongue turgor, mucosa, output, mental status
- PO/IV fluids
Causes of FVE
- Due to fluid overload, diminished homeostatic mechanisms
- HF, kidney injury, cirrhosis of liver
- Contributing factors: consumption of excessive amts of Na (table salt, sodium salts)
- Excess admin of Na containing fluids
S/S of FVE
Acute weight gain, peripheral edema & ascites, JVD, crackles, elevated CVP, SOB, increased BP, bounding pulse, cough, increased RR, increased output
Lab values FVE
Decreased H&H, serum/urine osmolality, urine Na & specific gravity
Nursing interventions FVE
- I&O, daily weights
- Assess lung sounds, edema
- Monitor responses to RX’s —> diuretics, IVF
- Promote adherence to fluid restrictions
- Education R/T Na and fluid restrictions
- Monitor/avoid Na (including RX’s)
- Promote rest
Hyponatremia
Causes
Imbalance of water, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, diuretics, adrenal insufficiency, RX’s, SAIDH
Hyponatremia
S/S
Poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, HA, decreased salivation, decreased BP, nausea, abdominal cramping, neuro changes
Hyponatremia
Nursing interventions
- TX underlying condition
- Na replacement
- Water restriction
- Assessment: I&O, daily weight, labs, CNS changes
- Encourage dietary Na
- Monitor fluid intake, effects of RX’s
Hypernatremia
Most affected
Very old, very young, cognitively impaired
Hypernatremia
Causes
Fluid deprivation, excess Na admin, diabetes insipidus, heat stroke, hypertonic IV solutions
Hypernatremia
S/S
Thirst
Elevated temp
Hypernatremia
Nursing interventions
- Decrease Na by slow infusion of hypotonic electrolyte solution
- Diuretics
- Assess: abnormal water losses, OTC sources of Na
- Monitor for CNS changes