Fluid & Electrolytes Flashcards
Fluid Compartments
**ICF: 67%; 25L **
ECF: intravascular (plasma) 7% & Interstial 26%, transcellular 2.5%
Fluids breakdown
60/40/20 (16/4)
TBW = 42L and weights 42kg or 92lbs, 60%
Intracellular fluid: 28L = 40%
Extracellular fluid = 14L = 20%
Divided into:
Interstitial fluid 11L, 16% &
Plasma vol 4L, 4%
Fluid Distribution
Consist of solvent or medium (water) and solutes (charged particles, electrolytes)
Intracellular (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF)
TBW varies by age and gender
Higher total body water: men, infants
Lower total body water: women, obese, elderly
Furthermore affected by muscle mass (more TBW) and fat composition (less TBW)
FLUID MOVEMENT
Dependent on pressures
1. Osmotic
2. Hydrostatic
3. Oncotic
Osmotic
PULL
ECF determinants: Sodium (Na+), Chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-), urea and glucose
ICF determinants: Potassium (K+), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), phosphate (PO4-)
Hydrostatic
PUSH
Opposes osmotic pressure
Determinant: water pressure
Oncotic
(colloid osmotic)
MAJOR determinant: ALBUMIN
TONICITY
Determined by difference in osmotic pressure between two solutions across a semipermeable membrane
The effect of osmotic pressure or tension on the cell
Describes cell response to an external solution
Classification method for sodium and water imbalances between ICF and ECF compartments
3 types of tonicity
Isotonic: equal exchange of water
Hypertonic: water movement out of cell
Hypotonic: water movement into cell
Fluid Balance
Fluid regulation
Water balance is equated with volume
Serum sodium concentration is equated with osmolality/tonicity
Homeostasis Parts
Compensatory mechanisms maintain homeostasis
1. Volume receptors
Heart (atria), kidneys, vasculature (aorta, carotid arteries)
Provide feedback to the CNS regarding volume status
2. Osmoreceptors
Anterior hypothalamus
Trigger thirst mechanism if ↑ serum osmolality
3. Hormone regulation of water and sodium
Electrolytes
Minerals with electrical charges
Found in blood, urine, and other body fluids
Cations are positively (+) charged
Anions are negatively (-) charged
Homeostasis = net neutrality between ECF and ICF
Near equal osmolality as well
Electrolyte Chart
Water, Sodium, & Chloride
Intricately linked based on electrical charge and polarity
Sodium is the most abundant solute in the ECF (135-145mEq/L)
Major determinant of volume
Levels closely mirror chloride
Key determinant of isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic fluid shifts
Intravascular compartment volume may shift as a result of tonicity
Euvolemic, hypervolemia, and hypovolemia
Considerations for determining cause of Na/Cl/H2O disorders
Most likely inappropriate sodium or water control
Sodium
Most significant cation
Most prevalent electrolyte within ECF
Controls serum osmolality and water balance
Helps maintain acid-base balance when combined with
bicarbonate
Regulated by:
1. Kidneys
2. Sympathetic nervous system
3. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
Primarily dietary intake
Primarily renal excretion
Other losses: GI, burns, sweating
HYPERNATREMIA - value and osmolality
Serum sodium (Na+) level > 145 mEq/L (Ref: 135-145 mEq/L)
Leads to HIGH serum osmolality > 295 mOsm/kg (Ref: 285-295 mOsm/kg)
Hypertonicity leads to** cellular dehydration**
Causes:
Primarily water imbalances due to excessive loss without adequate hydration
* Impaired thirst mechanism or lack of water intake
* Extrarenal vs. renal losses
* Hyperglycemia, mannitol administration, parenteral nutrition, diabetes insipidus
HyperNatremia - manifestations, diagnosis
Manifestations
Chiefly neurologic in nature
Mild: lethargy, headache, confusion, irritability
Severe (>158 mEq/L): seizure, coma
Hypovolemia, hypotension, dry mucous membranes, thirst, ↓UOP
Diagnosis: serum/urine chemistry and osmolality
Hypernatremia - Treatment
Treatment of underlying cause
Correct water losses (PO if mild, IV if severe)
AVOID RAPID CORRECTION OF SODIUM
1mEq/L per hour and no greater than 12 mEq/L over 24 hours recommended
Hypernatremia Anesthesia Considerations
Hypernatremia increases MAC in animal studies
Consider hypovolemia and induction of anesthesia, decreased volume of distribution and decreased cardiac output
Postpone elective surgery for Na > 150mEq/L, establish cause and replace volume deficits
Hyponatremia - values and causes
Serum sodium (Na+) level < 135 mEq/L (Ref: 135-145 mEq/L)
Leads to **LOW serum osmolality < 280 **mOsm/kg (Ref: 285-295 mOsm/kg)
Hypotonicity leads to intracellular swelling
Nervous system impairment
Causes:
Primarily inadequate renal excretion of water
Renal failure, volume depletion, diuretics, SIADH, adrenal insufficiency/failure, lack of sodium intake, excess water ingestion, heart/liver/kidney failure
Hyponatremia - manifestations, diagnosis
Manifestations
Mild (< 130 mEq/L): GI symptoms (N/V/D)
Severe (< 125 mEq/L): Neurologic symptoms (lethargy, headache, confusion, seizure, coma)
Edema if hypervolemic, hypotension if hypovolemic
Diagnosis: serum/urine chemistry and osmolality
Hyponatremia - treatment
Treatment of underlying cause
AVOID RAPID CORRECTION OF SODIUM
May result in osmotic demyelination syndrome
Low total body sodium; replace isotonic deficit
Normal total body sodium; water restriction or hormone replacement
Increased total body sodium; restrict water and loop diuretic (CHF Cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome) restrict water (renal failure)
Rapid correction of hyponatremia has been associated with demyelinating lesions in the pons resulting in permanent neurological sequelae