Fluids & Electrolytes Flashcards
what is IV fluid therapy?
the infusion of sterile fluids intraveneously into the circulatory system
why is IV fluid therapy chosen/used?
to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
why would IV fluid therapy be chosen over another route?
when oral/enteral routes are inappropriate
what is hypernatremia?
a comon electrolyte problem; too much sodium in the blood
what are electrolytes?
chemicals which conduct electricity when in water and are essential to bodily functions
list common electrolytes?
- sodium (salt/ Na)
- potassium (K)
- calcium
- bicarbonate
- magnesium
- chloride
- phosphate
what is osmosis?
- movement of water molecules from a solution of high concentration of water molecules to a lower one
- down a concentration gradient
- through a cell’s partially permeable membrane
Types of dehydration?
- isotonic
- hyponatraemic
- hypernatraemic
what is isotonic dehydration?
- blood sodium (salt) concentration unchanged
- salt and water is lost in equal proportions
- loss of plasma/ECF
- common in burns & haemorrhaging
- may need to replace losses urgently due to hypovolaemia risk
what does the term fluid balance mean?
the balance of input and output of fluids in the body, to allow metabolic processes to function properly
how much water does the average human body hold?
42-45Litres of water
how much water does an adult requiere per day?
1.5-2.5Litres
- roughly 6-8 cups of water
what is ECF and where is is located?
- extracellular fluid
- fluid not contained within the cells but which surrounds them
- found in the blood, lymph, and body cavities lined within the serious (moisture-exuding) membranes
- makes up 1/3rd of total body water
what is ICF and where is it located?
- intracellular fluid
- fluid contained within the cells
- largest component; 2/3rds of total body water
what is interstitial fluid and where is it located?
- also found out-with the cells, like ECF
- difference between the two; interstitial fluid is found out-with the blood, and which surrounds the cells and tissues
what is osmotic concentration?
- also known as osmolarity
- the measure of solute concentration, i.e., of the blood
what are osmoreceptors?
a sensory receptor (brain cells) located primarily in the hypothalamus that detects changes in osmotic pressure
what happens to our osmotic concentratin of our blood when we are dehydrated? what impact does this have?
the osmotic concentration of our blood when dehydrated increases (not enough water to equalise; think specific gravity), causing osmosis of ICF out of the cells
- this dehydrates specific brain cells called osmoreceptors and stimulates the release of ADH; reducing water loss through retention and therefore concentrated urine
what happens when water intake is high?
less ADH is released, resulting in the kidneys excreting large quanities of dilute urine
what is ADH and what does it do?
- anti-diuretic hormone
- produced by the hypothalamus & released by the pituitary gland
- causes the kidneys to release less water by decreasing urine production and excretion
what is a diuretic?
any substance which promotes diuresis; increased production of urine
what is an anti-diuretic?
any substance which opposes diuresis and aids retention of fluid
what is ADH also known as?
human vasopressin & vasopressin hormone
what is polyuria and what causes it?
the excessive proudction and excretion of urine, caused by;
- diabetes/ hyperglycaemia
- overuse of diuretics
- renal impairment
what is the role of calcium?
contracting muscles
signalling nerves
blood clotting
forming and maintaining bones/teeth
what is the role of sodium (salt)?
maintain fluid balance
support muscle contractions
help signal nerves
what is the role of potassium (K)?
help maintain BP
regulate heart contractions
assist with muscle functions