Fluid Electrolyte Balance Flashcards
what % of a healthy adult’s body is composed of fluids?
50-70%
body fluid composition of tissue varies by what 3 factors?
tissue type
gender
age
what is body fluid composed of?
water
electrolytes
name the 2 positively charged electrolytes
Na
K
name the 2 negatively charged electrolytes
Cl
P (phosphorus)
what are the 3 functions of fluids?
account for blood volume
maintain body temp
protect/lubricate body tissues
how do fluids maintain body temperature?
water has a high heat capacity
what are the 3 functions of electrolytes?
regulate fluid balance
help nerves respond to stimuli
signal muscles to contract
how do electrolytes help regulate fluid balance?
water follows electrolytes into and out of cells
how do electrolytes help nerves respond to stimuli?
Na and K move the nerve impulse along the nerve cell
how do electrolytes signal our muscles to contract?
Ca moves into muscle to stimulate contraction
how is water gained?
food/drink
metabolic reactions
hyperhydration, which is rare, is also called what?
water intoxication
in which conditions does hyperhydration occur? (3)
kidney disease
hormonal imbalance
overconsumption of water
why is hyperhydration bad?
can result in dilution of plasma sodium
what are the 5 functions of sodium?
fluid/electrolyte balance
maintain BP
maintain acid-base
nerve impulse transmission
muscle contraction
what can occur with too much sodium? (3)
raises BP
increased excretion of Ca
hypernatremia
what can cause hyponatremia? (low sodium)
prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating
a patient has headaches, dizziness, fatigue, N/V, and muscle cramps. what could they have?
hyponatremia
what are the 3 functions of potassium?
fluid/electrolyte balance
muscle contraction
maintains a lower BP
what are good sources of potassium? (3)
fruits/veggies
whole grains
dairy products
in which patients is hyperkalemia seen?
patients with kidney disease
what can hyperkalemia lead to?
altered heart rhythm = heart attack
what can cause hypokalemia?
kidney disease
diabetic acidosis
extreme dehydration
excessive V/D
diuretics
what can hypokalemia cause?
abnormal heart rhythm
what are the 4 functions of chloride?
fluid balance
component of HCl in stomach
assists immune system
transmission of nerve impulses
what can too much chloride lead to?
hypertension
what are 2 causes of low chloride?
severe dehydration/frequent vomiting
what are the 3 functions of phosphorous?
fluid balance
mineral complex of bone
regulate biochemical pathways
which electrolyte is found in ATP, DNA, RNA, and phospholipids?
phosphorous
what are good sources of phosphorous?
protein:
meat
milk
eggs
what can cause high blood phosphorous? (3)
kidney disease
excess vit D supplements
overuse of antacids
a patient presents with muscle spasms and convulsions. what is likely wrong?
high blood phosphorous
which patients are most at risk of low blood phosphorous? (3)
premature infants
elderly
alcoholics
what can lead to low blood phosphorous? (3)
vit D deficiency
hyperparathyroidism
overuse of antacids that bind phosphorous
