Fluid Imbalances Flashcards
What does an increase in thirst mean regarding fluid levels
Fluid levels are decreasing which causes cellular dehydration, an increase in serum osmolality and a drop in circulating blood volume.
What does a decrease in thirst mean in regards to fluid levels
Fluid levels are increasing, cells are rehydrating, decrease in serum
Osmolality, and an increase in circulating blood volume
What would we expect to happed to fluid levels if the secretion of ADH is increased
ADH causes the body to hold fluids in, meaning fluid levels would increase
What would we expect to happen to fluid levels if ADH is decreased?
ADH causes the body to hold onto water, so fluid levels would decrease
If a patient is dehydrated, what signs and symptoms would you expect to see
Headache, dry mouth, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, dark/concentrated urine, constipation
What is a dehydrated patient at risk for?
Hypokalemia (lost to however fluid was lost), cardiac issues (K+ is needed for cardiac muscle to function), Kidney stones (not enough water to dilute solutes in urine so they build up in stones), Constipation (increased water absorption in the intestines causing firm stool), UTI (peeing less frequently so more time for bacteria to travel up urethra).
What is the main function of aldosterone
Produced by the adrenal cortex, aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate BP by managing levels of sodium and potassium, impacting blood volume
What would we expect to happen to fluid balance if we administer spironolactone to a patient?
Spirinolactone is a K+ sparing diuretic, meaning it allows the body to hold onto k+ to help with electrical impulses in the cardiac muscle. Fluid and other electrolytes would still be excreted.
How does the body gain water naturally
Drinking, eating, oxidative metabolism
What is oxidative metabolism
Chemical process in which oxygen is used in order to make energy (ATP) from carbs. 2 parts: Catabolism (break cell down into molecules) and Anabolism (put it back together into tissues and organs). H20 is a metabolic byproduct of oxidative metabolism.
What are some interventions of decreased water input and increased output
IV fluids, encourage drinking, elevate legs if hypotensive, blood transfusion
What are some interventions for high fluid intake and low fluid output
Education on thirst cues, managing edema, monitor intake and output closely, administer hypertonic solutions, diuresis, catheterization,
What are the normal functions of fluids in the body?
Transports gas to exchange oxygen and co2, transports nutrients and wastes, helps with generating electrical activity, aids in making energy from food.
How much water does the body need for each 100 calories eaten?
100mls
What does increased body fat put patients at risk for regarding fluids
Dehydration because water is hydrophobic. Your TBW should be 60% of body weight. Little water is found in adipose cells so total body water is decreased.
