Fluid and Electrolytes Flashcards
What is osmosis?
Movement of water from low to high solute concentration.
What is diffusion?
Passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
What is filtration?
Movement of water and solutes through a membrane due to hydrostatic pressure.
What is active transport?
Movement of substances against the concentration gradient requiring energy.
What role do the kidneys play in fluid balance?
Regulate water and electrolytes through urine output.
How do the lungs contribute to fluid balance?
Remove water through exhalation (~300mL daily, more with increased RR).
What is the function of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)?
Released from the hypothalamus to retain water.
What does aldosterone do?
Promotes sodium and water retention.
What are natriuretic peptides (ANP & BNP)?
Counteract RAAS by promoting sodium and water excretion.
What is fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia)?
A condition characterized by a decrease in blood volume.
What are common causes of hypovolemia?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- GI suctioning
- Third-spacing (burns, ascites)
- Polyuria
What are clinical manifestations of hypovolemia?
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Dry mucous membranes
- Decreased urine output
What is the management for hypovolemia?
- IV/oral fluids
- Monitor I&O
- Assess mental status and vital signs
What is fluid volume excess (hypervolemia)?
A condition characterized by an increase in blood volume.
What are common causes of hypervolemia?
- Excess IV fluids
- Heart failure
- Renal failure
- SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
- Liver cirrhosis
What are clinical manifestations of hypervolemia?
- Edema
- Hypertension
- Pulmonary congestion
- Weight gain
What is the management for hypervolemia?
- Diuretics
- Fluid restriction
- Sodium restriction
- Monitoring electrolyte levels
What is hypernatremia?
Sodium level >145 mEq/L.
What are the causes of hypernatremia?
- Water loss (diabetes insipidus, dehydration)
- Sodium gain
What are clinical manifestations of hypernatremia?
- Thirst
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Coma
What is the management for hypernatremia?
- Hypotonic IV fluids
- Diuretics
- Monitor CNS changes
What is hyponatremia?
Sodium level <135 mEq/L.
What are the causes of hyponatremia?
- SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
- Excessive water intake
- Diuretics
What are clinical manifestations of hyponatremia?
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Headache
- Nausea
What is the management for hyponatremia?
- Fluid restriction
- Sodium replacement
- Monitor neuro status
What is hyperkalemia?
Potassium level >5.0 mEq/L.
What are the causes of hyperkalemia?
- Renal failure
- Acidosis
- Tissue trauma
What are clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia?
- ECG changes (peaked T waves)
- Muscle weakness
- Cardiac arrest
What is the management for hyperkalemia?
- Diuretics
- Insulin with glucose
- Calcium gluconate
What is hypokalemia?
Potassium level <3.5 mEq/L.
What are the causes of hypokalemia?
- Diuretics
- Vomiting
- Metabolic alkalosis
What are clinical manifestations of hypokalemia?
- Weakness
- Cramps
- ECG changes (flattened T waves)
- Dysrhythmias
What is the management for hypokalemia?
- K+ supplements
- Monitor ECG
- Dietary potassium
What is hypercalcemia?
Calcium level >10.5 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Malignancy
- Excessive Ca/Vitamin D intake
What are clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia?
- Lethargy
- Kidney stones
- Decreased reflexes
What is the management for hypercalcemia?
- Hydration
- Loop diuretics
- Bisphosphonates
What is hypocalcemia?
Calcium level <8.8 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hypocalcemia?
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Renal failure
- Pancreatitis
What are clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia?
Tetany (muscle spams), muscle cramps, and Chvostek’s/Trousseau’s sign
What is the management for hypocalcemia?
- Calcium supplements
- IV calcium gluconate
- Seizure precautions
What is hypermagnesemia?
Magnesium level >2.6 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hypermagnesemia?
- Renal failure
- Excessive Mg intake (antacids, laxatives)
What are clinical manifestations of hypermagnesemia?
- Hypotension
- Lethargy
- ECG changes
What is the management for hypermagnesemia?
- Calcium gluconate
- Diuretics
- Dialysis
What is hypomagnesemia?
Magnesium level <1.8 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hypomagnesemia?
- Chronic alcoholism
- GI losses
- Diuretics
What are clinical manifestations of hypomagnesemia?
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
What is the management for hypomagnesemia?
- IV Mg
- Dietary Mg (nuts, green veggies)
What is hyperphosphatemia?
Phosphate level >4.5 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hyperphosphatemia?
- Renal failure
- Tumor lysis
- Hypoparathyroidism
What are clinical manifestations of hyperphosphatemia?
- Tetany (muscle spams) d/t hypocalcemia (inverse)
- Soft tissue calcifications
What is the management for hyperphosphatemia?
- Phosphate binders
- Dialysis
- Hydration
What is hypophosphatemia?
Phosphate level <2.7 mg/dL.
What are the causes of hypophosphatemia?
- Malnutrition
- Alcoholism
- DKA recovery
What are clinical manifestations of hypophosphatemia?
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory failure
What is the management for hypophosphatemia?
- Phosphate replacement
- Dietary intake (dairy, meat)
