Fluid and Electrolytes: Overview

Question 1

How much fluid should a human take in every day?

Answer 1

2500 mL/day (water content of food contributes, thirst center in hypothalamus regulates fluid intake)

Question 2

How much fluid should an adult put out per day?

Answer 2

1400-1500 mL/day of urine

Question 3

What is the function of sodium, is it extra or intracellular, and what foods can it be found in?

Answer 3

controls and regulates water balance

EXTRA cellular

found in foods like bacon, processed and canned foods, table salt

Suggested intake: 1500-23000mg/day

Question 4

Is potassium intra or extracellular?

Answer 4

Intracellular

Question 5

What is the function of Potassium?

Answer 5

1. vital for skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle function
2. involved in maintaining acid-base balance
3. Contributes to intracellular enzyme reactions

Question 6

Is Calcium intra or extracellular?

Answer 6

Extracellular

Question 7

What is the function of Calcium?

Answer 7

To regulate muscle contraction and relaxation, neuromuscular function, and cardiac function

Question 8

What are the normal serum calcium levels?

Answer 8

9-11 mg/dL

Question 9

What foods are rich in calcium?

Answer 9

milk and milk products

Also in dark green leafy veggies, and canned salmon

Question 10

Is magnesium intra or extracellular?

Answer 10

Intracellulcar

Question 11

What is the normal serum level for magnesium?

Answer 11

1.5-2.5 mEq/L

Question 12

What is the function of magnesium?

Answer 12

1. important for intracellular metabolism (the production and use of ATP)
2. Protein and DNA synthesis
3. Involved in regulating neuromuscular and cardiac functioning

Question 13

What foods are rich in magnesium?

Answer 13

cereal grains, nuts, dried fruits, legumes, green leafy veggies, dairy products, meats, and fish

Question 14

Is Chloride intra or extracellular?

Answer 14

Extracellular

Question 15

What is the normal serum level for Chloride?

Answer 15

95-110 mEq/L

Question 16

What is the purpose of chloride?

Answer 16

1. With sodium, regulates serum osmolality
2. major component of gastric juice
3. Buffer in oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in RBGs

Question 17

Is phosphate intra or extracellular?

Answer 17

Intracellular

Question 18

What is the normal serum level of phosphate?

Answer 18

1.4-4.5 mg/dL in adults (much higher levels in children)

Question 19

What is the purpose of phosphate?

Answer 19

1. essential for the functioning of muscles, nerves, and RBCs
2. involved in the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates

Question 20

What foods is phosphate found in?

Answer 20

meat, fish, poultry, milk products, and legumes

Question 21

What disorders are most associated with hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia?

Answer 21

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension

Question 22

What two medications are more likely to cause electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 22

diuretics and benzodiazepines

Question 23

What teaching should be included for heat-related illnesses that could cause electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 23

1. limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day
2. Take frequent breaks for rest and water
3. Drink water before beginning to feel thirsty
4. Wear lightweight clothes
5. Work or exercise with others when engaging in activity outside

Question 24

What complications with the aging process can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances?

Answer 24

1. diminished thirst
2. decline in kidney function
3. Reduced fluid reserve
4. Nephrons become less able to conserve water in response to ADH
5. Increased levels of atrial natriuretic factor
6. Increased sensitivity to salt