Fluid Therapy

Question 1

Describe inevitable water loss?

Answer 1

Water that is lost through respiration or through the skin.

Question 2

Describe the components of ECF?

Answer 2

a. Intravascular fluid – volume of blood within the circulation includes plasma component.
b. Interstitial fluid – bathes and surrounds cells (found in between tissue spaces).
c. Smallest component of ECF often not calculated. Transcellular fluid separated from plasma and interstitial fluid by cellular barriers e.g. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluid.

Question 3

Describe what would happen to a cell if the interstitial fluid became hypotonic and why?

Answer 3

The cell would expand and potentially burst (lysis) because the hypotonic fluid has less solute than the cell and therefore water moves into the cell.

Question 4

Describe the term diffusion?

Answer 4

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until they are equal.

Question 5

Define the term Anion?

Answer 5

Negatively charged electrolyte.

Question 6

Define the term Cation?

Answer 6

Positively charged electrolyte.

Question 7

Where is the greatest concentration of Potassium found?

Answer 7

intracellular

Question 8

Where is the greatest concentration of Bicarbonate found?

Answer 8

interstitial

Question 9

Where is the greatest concentration of Calcium found?

Answer 9

intracellular

Question 10

List the 3 types of buffer systems that helps to maintain acid-base balance?

Answer 10

Chemical, respiratory and renal buffer systems.

Question 11

How does carbon dioxide link to the ph levels in the blood?

Answer 11

Carbon dioxide in blood is directly correlated with acidity; The more CO2 in the blood; the more acidic it is. Increased respiratory rate will exhale more co2 to lower acidity in blood.

Question 12

Give 2 conditions that may cause respiratory acidosis?

Answer 12

Bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema.

Question 13

Briefly explain why metabolic alkalosis may occur with vomiting?

Answer 13

Vomiting stomach contents therefore losing acid.

Question 14

How will the respiratory system compensate for metabolic acidosis?

Answer 14

The respiratory system will increase breathing to blow off more CO2 in an attempt to reduce acidity in the blood.

Question 15

Define primary water loss?

Answer 15

Water loss without losing electrolytes e.g. through reduction in intake or fever.

Question 16

Describe how hydration status can be assessed in the dog?

Answer 16

Clinical history, clinical exam (CRT, MM, skin elasticity), laboratory analysis, clinical measurements.

Question 17

Describe the equipment that a VN should prepare prior to iv fluid therapy in a 5 year old Cocker Spaniel?

Answer 17

Fluid bag, giving set, iv catheter, tape, vetrap, clippers, surgical scrub, gauze swabs, surgical spirit, drip stand.

Question 18

Give 2 complications that may appear with iv fluid therapy?

Answer 18

Air embolism, thrombophlebitis, thrombus formation, septicaemia.

Question 19

Select the correct fluids for the following cases?

a. The vomiting dog
b. A 10 year old bitch with pyometra
c. A 3 year old cat with severe haemorrhaging

Answer 19

a. The vomiting dog – 0.9% sodium chloride
b. A 10 year old bitch with pyometra – Hartmanns solution or lactated Ringers
c. A 3 year old cat with severe haemorrhaging – whole blood