Fluid and Electrolytes

Question 1

What is TBW

Answer 1

Total Body Water - sum of all body fluids.

Question 2

What is ICF

Answer 2

Intracellular Fluid

Question 3

What is ECF

Answer 3

Extracellular fluid

Question 4

TBW makes up what % of body weight in adults?

Answer 4

60-65%

• Males slightly more, because of skeletal tissue.
• Females slightly less, increased % of body fat.

Question 5

TBW makes up what % of body weight in pediatrics?

Answer 5

75-80%

Question 6

Define Osmosis

Answer 6

Pulling of water

Question 7

Hydrostatic pressure

Answer 7

Pushing of water

Question 8

Define Edema

Answer 8

Problem of fluid distribution that results in fluid accumulation within the interstitial spaces.

Question 9

Manifestations of Edema

Answer 9

Weight gain, swelling and puffiness, tighter-fitting clothes and
shoes, and limited movement of the affected area.

Question 10

What are electrolytes? Why are they important?

Answer 10

Minerals in the body containing an electrical charge.

Balance the amount of water in the body
Balance acid/base (pH) level 
Move nutrients into the cells
Move wastes out of the cells
Necessary for nerves, muscles, heart, and brain function

Question 11

Sodium:

1. Abbreviation
2. Lab Values
3. Functions

Answer 11

1. NA+
2. 136-145 mEq/L
3. Never impulses/conduction; pH balance.

Question 12

Potassium

1. Abbreviation
2. Lab Values
3. Functions

Answer 12

1. K+
2. 3.5- 5 mEq/L
3. Regulated electrical neutrality; cardiac/muscle contractions.

Question 13

Chloride:

1. Abbreviation
2. Lab Values
3. Functions

Answer 13

1. Cl-
2. 95-108 mEq/L
3. Tied to sodium balance, provides electroneutrality.

Question 14

What is Aldosterone?

Answer 14

Increases reabsorption (conservation) of Na+, produced in the kidney.

Question 15

What is ADH?

Answer 15

Antidiuretic Hormone

Regulates and balances water; decreases H2O excreted by kidneys.

Question 16

What is Isotonic? What causes isotonic fluid loss?

Answer 16

Same as natural body/homeostatic

Isotonic fluid loss—hemorrhage, severe wound drainage, excessive sweating, and inadequate fluid intake—causes hypovolemia

Question 17

What is hypotonic?

Answer 17

Increased H2O, Decreased NaCl, swells cells.

Question 18

What is hypertonic?

Answer 18

Decreased water, increased NaCl, shrinks cells (“salty”)

Question 19

What is Hypernatremia?

1. Value
2. Cause
3. Manifestation

Answer 19

Acute increase in sodium level or a loss of water.

1. > 145 mEq/L
2. Dehydration, decreased ADH, increased Aldosterone.
3. Thirst, flushed skin, dry mucous membranes, convulsions, hypotension, tachycardia, hyperactive DTRs.

Question 20

What is Hyponatremia?

1. Value
2. Cause
3. Manifestation

Answer 20

Movement of water into cells.
1. < 135 mEq/L
2. sodium loss, inadequate sodium intake, or dilution of the body’s
sodium level with excess water, laxatives, emesis.
3. Manifestation: Headache, increased ICP, lethargy, confusion, muscle twitching, decreased DTR.

Question 21

What is Hypokalemia?

1. Value
2. Cause
3. Manifestation

Answer 21

Loss of total body potassium

1. < 3.5 mEq/L
2. Decrease in K+ intake, increased K+ in cells, loss of K+
3. Manifestation: Nausea, vomiting, lethargy, cramps, decreased DTRs, Cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, fatigue, decreased GI Motility, distension.

Question 22

What is Hyperkalemia?

1. Value
2. Cause
3. Manifestation

Answer 22

Increased potassium.

1. > 5.0 mEq/L
2. Cause: increased intake of K+, decreased renal excretion, insulin deficiency, cell trauma.
3. Dysrhythmias, anxiety, tingling, numbness, diarrhea, hyperactive muscles.