Fluid volume deficit Flashcards
What is the different between hypovolemia and dehydration
Hypovolemia is the loss of fluid and electrolytes ( isotonic loss) leading to ↓ blood volume and circulation issues.
Dehydration is the loss of pure water without equivalent sodium loss resulting in ↑ concentration of sodium (hypernatremia) in the bloodstream.
What are some common signs and symptoms you would see in hypovolemia?
Hypotension
Weak, rapid (thready) pulse
Orthostatic hypotension
Tachycardia
Dry mm
Poor skin turgor
↓ urine output (oliguria)
Weight loss
Dizziness Or confusion
Nursing interventions for a patient with hyporolemia
- Administer iv fluids as prescribed.
- fall precautions
- monitor vital signs by closely
- Measure intake and output accurately
- daily weight checks
- asses skin turgor and mm regularly
- monitor mental status changes
- patient education ( encourage oral fluid intake and recognize dehydration signs)
Common causes of dehydration?
*Inadequate water intake
* excessive sweating
*Diabetes insipidus
*DKA
* hyperventilation
* prolonged fever
What nursing assessments would you perform if you suspect your patient has hypovolemia?
- Skin turgor
- urine characteristics
*Mucous membranes
*Vital signs (look for ↓ bp, ↑ pulse rate, orthostatic hypotension)
*Mental status (confusion, dizziness, weakness) - daily weight changes
What complications might occur if hypovolemia isn’t treated promptly?
- Coma
*Hypovolemic shock - acute kidney injury due to ↓ perfusion
*Death
What laboratory findings might you expect with fluid volume deficit?
↑ hematocrit (blood becomes thick)
↑ BUN (due to ↓ kidney perfusion)
↑ urine specific gravity (urine becomes concentrated )
↑ sodium especially in dehydration.
What happens to blood pressure and heart rate when someone is experiencing significant hypovolemia?
Heart rate ↑
Blood pressure↓
Quick! Pump faster, we are running low!
Which iv fluid would you expect to give a patient with hypovolemia to restore extracellular fluid without changing osmolality
Isotonic fluids (like 0.9% normal saline or lactated ringers)
They restore volume without shifting fluid into or out of cells, keep everything balanced.
Actual dehydration
Lack of fluid in the body
Relative dehydration
Involves a shift of water from the plasma (blood) to the interstitial space
List 3 causes of hypovolemia
Vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic therapy
What are some clinical manifestations of hypovolemia?
Tachycardia, hypotension, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor
What is a major complication of hypovolemia?
Hypovolemia shock
What intervention is crucial for preventing hypovolemia shock?
Timely fluid replacement
What does an elevated urine specific gravity indicate in hypovolemia?
Concentrated urine due to dehydration
What interventions are important when caring for an elderly client at risk for dehydration?
MONITOR FOR DECREASED THIRT sensation, assist with fluid intake, and assess skin turgor and mental status frequently
What is a key finding in dehydration related to temperature?
Elevated temperature due to reduced fluid volume
