Lab Tests and Other Material Flashcards
Identify the electrolyte most influential in determining circulating blood volume and the hormone which control its concentration in the body
1) Sodium 2) Aldosterone
Normal Serum Na
135-145 mEq/L
What is sodiums role in thirst?
When Sodium Levels increase, thirst receptors in the hypothalamus stimulate thirst sensations
What do sodium levels tell you/not tell you?
They tell you the level of hydration in the body, however they do not tell you about the possibility of over consumption of sodium
Hypernatremia (levels and hydration analysis)
high levels of sodium in the serum/blood; mimics dehydration, because during dehydration levels of sodium are high.
What level of sodium is indicative of hypernatremia?
levels greater than 145 mEq/L
What sodium levels are indicative of hyponatremia?
Serum sodium less than 135 mEq/L
What are some causes of hyponatremia?
usage of diuretics; Excessive loss of gastrointestinal fluids from vomiting, diarrhea or fistula drainage; renal disease with sodium wasting states
Treatment of hyponatremia
Administer normal or hypertonic saline
Pseudohyponatremia
Blood contains excess water relative to salt; caused by fluid overload
Sodium levels associated with pseudohyponatremia
Serum sodium levels below 135 mEq/L
Causes of pseudohyponatremia
Edematous states; Ascites w/cirrhosis of the liver; congestive heart failure
What group of individuals are the most at risk for developing hyponatremia?
The elderly
Why is glutamine added to some enteral formulas?
1) non -essential amino acid 2) considered essential during illness 3) cells depleted by more than 50% following severe illness 4) preferential fuel source for enterocytes in the gut mucosa, especially during stress ( helps gut barrier, integrity, and enhances GI cell mass and height of mucosal villi
What components are added to formulas to enhance or maintain a patient’s immunity?
glutamine, arginine, omega-3- fatty acids, and antioxidants. claim to reduce infection rates and decrease the length of stay, but the results are mixed
Pharmacodynamics
The biochemical and physiologic mechanisms of drug action
Pharmacokinetics
Time course of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
ADL
Activities for Daily living: muscular strength; (Handgrip Dynamometry;Groningen Fitness Test for the Elderly
;Lower Extremity Physical Function and Performance)
IADLs
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: cognitive abilities; (Three item recall, animal naming test, clock drawing test)
Primary Care
First point of consultation (Family practitioners)
Secondary health
Curative, not preventative (medical specialists)
Tertiary
Highly specialized; 1) Personnel and facilities for advanced medical investigation and treatment
ex: intensive care unit, burn unit, bone marrow transplant
Quaternary care
highly specialized and not widely available; Research, experimental medicine, and some types of uncommon diagnostic or surgical procedures
Medicare Part A
Hospital insurance ; 1) Inpatient care hospital or rehabilitation 2) Skilled nursing facility (maximum of 100 days coverage) 3) Hospice Care 4) Home Health 5) Premium Free
Medicare Part D
Prescription; Prescription drugs only, Brand drugs and generic, No over-the-counter drugs
Medicaid
Income based, health care payed for by state and federal government, covers more than 60% of all long-term care residents
Minimum Necessary Rule
Generally the amount of PHI used, shared, accessed, or requested must be limited to only what is needed for the health care provider to do their job and fulfill their professional responsibilities for that patient.
HIPAA
Created national standards to protect the privacy of health information
PHR
Personal Health Record; Electronic health record maintained and managed by the patient; Can increase patient participation in their own care and assist families in the information they might need to assist a family member
EHR
Electronic Health Record; a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting. Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports.”
