Module 7: Answer the following Flashcards
Identify the components of body fluid.
In the human body, body fluid is composed of intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid. Intracellular fluid is the fluid that is inside cells; this fluid makes up about 67% of the fluid in an adult. Extracellular fluid is any fluid that is outside of the body’s cells. Extracellular fluid is further subdivided into the fluids between cells (interstitial), blood plasma, and other tissue fluids (such as cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord).
Identify predominant electrolytes in the extracellular and intracellular fluid.
In intracellular fluid, K+ (Potassium) and HPO42- (Phosphorus) are the predominant electrolytes; in extracellular fluid, Na+ (Sodium) and Cl (Chloride) predominate.
Describe osmosis.
The movement of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area where it is highly concentrated to an area where it is less concentrated.
Describe hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.
If a cell is placed in a solution that contains fewer dissolved particles (known as a hypotonic solution) than the cell itself, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell.
Alternatively, if a cell is placed in a solution that is more concentrated (known as a hypertonic solution) water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink. Cells keep their water volume constant by pumping electrolytes in and out in an effort to balance the concentrations of dissolved particles on either side of their membranes.
When a solution contains an equal concentration of dissolved particles on either side of the membrane, it is known as an isotonic solution.
What happens if the electrolyte concentration inside a cell is higher than outside the cell?
If a cell is placed in a solution that contains fewer dissolved particles (known as a hypotonic solution) than the cell itself, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell
Identify functions of fluid in the body.
Water’s importance in the human body can be loosely categorized into four basic functions: transportation vehicle, medium for chemical reactions, lubricant/shock absorber, and temperature regulator.
Identify the organ responsible for maintaining fluid balance.
The kidneys are the organ primarily responsible for maintaining fluid balance.
Identify the main way fluid is lost in a healthy adult.
Urination
Identify how the thirst mechanism is stimulated and where it is located.
The thirst mechanism is activated in response to changes in water volume in the blood and the concentration of sodium in the blood. The urge to drink results from a complex interplay of hormones and nervous system responses that coordinate to increase water input and contribute toward fluid balance and composition in the body. The “thirst center” is located in the hypothalamus.
Identify conditions that can cause hyponatremia.
Hypernatremia (an abnormally high blood-sodium level). Hypernatremia can happen in patients with congestive heart failure or kidney disease when the kidneys are not excreting sodium effectively. Hypernatremia can result in high blood volume, edema (swelling), and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Identify individuals at risk for hyperkalemia.
Those who have low dietary intake of potassium or by high sodium intakes, but more commonly it results from medications that increase water excretion, mainly diuretics.
Identify food sources of chloride, sodium, potassium, phosphorus.
Most chloride in the diet comes from salt. (Salt is 60% chloride.) Other dietary sources of chloride include processed foods containing sodium chloride, as well as tomatoes, lettuce, olives, celery, rye, whole-grain foods, and seafood. Although many salt substitutes are sodium-free, they may still contain chloride.
Most sodium in the typical American diet comes from processed and prepared foods.
Fuits and vegetables that contain high amounts of potassium are spinach, lettuce, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, apples, and apricots. Whole grains and seeds, certain fish (such as salmon, cod, and flounder), and meats are also high in potassium.
Phosphorus is found in many foods and is found in high amounts in foods that contain protein (e.g., meat, milk, eggs).
Identify functions of sodium, phosphorus, potassium, chloride.
Sodium is the primary positively-charged ion in extracellular fluid.
Sodium helps regulate fluid balance and plays important roles in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and nutrient absorption and reabsorption.
Phosphorus is the primary negatively-charged ion/electrolyte in the intracellular fluid.
Potassium is the primary positively-charged ion in intracellular fluid.
Potassium has multiple functions including its role in regulating fluid balance and nerve transmission.
Chloride is the primary negatively-charged ion in extracellular fluid.
Chloride aids in fluid balance by helping to maintain charge neutrality. Chloride channels also play a role in regulating fluid secretion, such as the flow of pancreatic juice into the small intestine and the flow of water into mucus.
Identify typical intake of sodium in the U.S. and compare that to recommended intakes.
The typical intake in the U.S. is 2,500 and
Recommended intake is 1,500 mg/day
Identify environmental conditions that increase fluid loss.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps (usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs) that develop during vigorous physical activity in a hot environment. The cramps are caused by a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Stopping activity immediately, resting in a cool place, and drinking a sports beverage or juice are steps to take to speed recovery.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people are engaging in vigorous physical activity in a hot environment. Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, dizziness, rapid breathing, and fast pulse. Immediate cooling and fluid intake are critical to avoid heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature is greater than 105.1°F (40.6°C). It is the result of the body being unable to sufficiently cool itself by thermoregulatory mechanisms. Dehydration is a primary cause of heat stroke as there are not enough fluids in the body to maintain adequate sweat production, and cooling of the body is impaired. Signs and symptoms are dry skin (absence of sweating), dizziness, trouble breathing, rapid pulse, confusion, agitation, seizures, coma, and possibly death.
