Fluid and Electrolyte / Acid-Base Imbalances Flashcards
Two main body fluid compartments
Intracellular (40% of the body weight of an adult). Extracellular (interstitial and intravascular fluid such as plasma), 1/3rd of body water.
Causes of fluid volume deficit
Abnormal body fluid loss, diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhage, inadequate fluid intake
Treatment for fluid volume deficit
Correct the underlying cause, replace with blood products or isotonic IV solutions
Manifestations of fluid volume deficit
Slow cap refill, confusion, drowsiness, cold clammy skin, postural hypotension, increased respiratory rate, thirst, decreased urine output, weakness, weight loss
Fluid volume excess cause
Excess fluid intake, abnormal fluid retention (heart failure, renal failure).
Manifestations of fluid volume excess
Bounding pulse, confusion, dyspnea, crackles, pulmonary edema, edema, muscle spasms, seizures/coma.
Causes of hyponatremia
Sodium loss or deficiency, pneumonia, infection, trauma, cancer. Too much water or IV fluids, prolonged diarrhea/vomiting
Symptoms of hyponatremia
Neuro - lethargy, confusion, seizures, agitation, headache, anorexia
Treatment of hyponatremia
Diuretics, carbamazepine, amiodarone, SSRIs. Sodium chloride tablets and fluid restriction. Iso or hypertonic fluids
Causes of hypernatremia
Dehydration, water moving into cells and out of blood, sodium overload
Symptoms of hypernatremia
Neuro - headache, lethargy, coma, intracranial hemorrhage, thirst, elevated temperature, decreased urine output
Treatment for hypernatremia
Increase fluid intake, dietary restrictions (decreased sodium intake), IV fluids (hypotonic)
Causes of hypokalemia
Alkalosis, corticosteroids, diarrhea, laxative misuse, burns, vomiting, malabsorption
Symptoms of hypokalemia
CARDIAC.
Early - hypotension, lethargy, mental confusion, muscle weakness.
Late - cardiac irregularities
Causes of hyperkalemia
Renal failure, excessive loss, burns, trauma, metabolic acidosis, infections
Symptoms of hyperkalemia
Cardiac - General fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, palpitations, V fib, cardiac arrest.
Causes of hypomagnesemia
Low intake, increased GI or renal losses, chronic alcohol use, prolonged fasting, starvation
Symptoms of hypomagnesemia
Trousseaus and Chvosteks signs, cramps, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, confusion, seizures, dysrhythmias
Causes of hypermagnesemia
Renal failure and increased magnesium intake, excessive laxative use
Symptoms of hypermagnesemia
Hypotension, nausea, vomiting, flushing, lethargy, DECREASED DEEP TENDON REFLEXES. Respiratory distress and cardiac arrest
