Fluids and Electrolytes Flashcards
What does the concept of fluid and electrolytes refer to?
How the body regulated the amount of fluid outside the cells (ECV), how concentrated the fluid is (osmolality), and the levels of electrolytes in the blood
Fluid osmolality refers to…?
How concentrated the fluid in the body is
When talking about fluid in the body, what exactly is being discussed?
Water with substances dissolved in it and its important features: volume (how much fluid) and osmolality
Electrolytes in the body refers to…?
Charged particles in water (e.g. sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+)
What are the 3 process to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?
Intake & absorption, distribution, and output
What are some age-related risks associated with fluid and electrolyte balance for infants
They have immature kidneys, large S.A for fluid loss through the skin and lungs
What are some age-related risks associated with fluid and electrolyte balance for children?
Immature kidneys, high metabolic, & large fluid exchange rate compared to adults
What are some age-related risks associated with fluid and electrolyte balance for infants
reduced thirst sensation & decreased kidney function
For vomiting and diarrhea, which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted? Why?
Output due to significant F&E loss especially sodium and potassium
For malabsorption, which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted?
Absorption due to build up of nutrients and electrolytes
For fever which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted?
Output due to fluid loss through sweating
For CHF, which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted?
Distribution due to fluid retention, leading to fluid overload.
For kidney disease, which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted?
Absorption due to inability to reduce the body’s ability to filter and excrete excess electrolytes or fluids.
For chronic liver disease, which of the 3 processes to maintain F&E is disrupted?
Distribution causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen
How does diuretics alter F&E?
Increases urine output; offloading potassium and sodium
How does laxatives alter F&E?
Can cause electrolyte loss through the GI tract
How does corticosteroids alter F&E?
cause Na retention and K loss
How does antacids alter F&E?
Affects absorption (electrolytes loss is dependent on the type of bicarb taken)
How does sodium bicarb cause electrolyte imbalance?
Increases sodium in the body
How does calcium carbonate cause electrolyte imbalance?
Increases calcium in the body
How can a hemorrhage affect blood volume?
It can lead to hypovolemia due to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances
How can burns and crush injuries affect blood volume?
Can cause fluid shift to different fluid compartments leading to fluid and electrolyte loss
How can head injuries impact fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
Disrupt body’s regulation of fluids and electrolytes (particularly sodium)
How can ECV volume become imbalanced?
involve too much or too little isotonic fluid in the extracellular space
How can osmolality become imbalanced?
changes in the concentration of body fluids often reflected in sodium levels
What issues arise when fluid and electrolyte output is greater than intake and absorption
ECV deficit; Hypernatremia; Electrolyte deficit (low K or Mg)
