The composition and distributiom of body fluids

Question 1

Function of fluids

Answer 1

Water is an excellent solvent

Transport system for gases, nutrients and wastes

Maintains shape of cells

Spread heat from active parts of the body to cooler areas and in doing so they aid thermoregulation

Shock absorber to cushion sensitive areas

Lubricant

Question 2

Fluctuations in fluid volume or distribution can affect

Answer 2

blood volume and cellular function

Question 3

Fluids move by

Answer 3

Osmosis
Diffusion
Filtration
Active Transport

Question 4

Diffusion is

Answer 4

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is achieved.

It occurs mainly in gases, liquids and solutions

Passive process

Question 5

Osmosis is

Answer 5

The process of the transfer of water (solvent) down it’s concentration gradient from a weaker solution to a stronger solution across a semi-permeable membrane until equilibrium is reached

It is a passive process

Question 6

Filtration occurs when

Answer 6

Hydrostatic pressure forces water and small dissolved molecules out of the plasma into the interstitial fluid

Question 7

Fluid compartments

Answer 7

Intracellular 2/3

Extracellular 1/3
Interstitial
Intravascular

Question 8

Composition of intracellular fluid

Answer 8

High in potassium and magnesium

low in sodium and chloride

Question 9

Composition of extra cellular fluid

Answer 9

High in sodium and chloride

Low in potassium and magnesium

Question 10

Fluid balance is the maintenance

Answer 10

of the correct amount of fluid in the body. Amount gained through intake must equal amount lost

Question 11

Fluid balance is regulated by

Answer 11

1. kidneys
2. hormonal controls
   - antidiuretic hormone
   - Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
   - Atrial natriuretic peptide3.thirst

Question 12

Fluid output is divided into

Answer 12

Sensible losses eg, urine, intestines, blood loss

Insensible losses, evaporation from skin and lungs

Question 13

Causes of fluid loss

Answer 13

Illness

Altered fluid intake

Prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea.

Pyrexia

Surgery:
haemorrhage
evaporation from wounds

Question 14

Why are Us and Es monitored when recording fluid balance

Answer 14

An imbalance of electrolytes in the blood can cause fluid imbalance

Question 15

2 places where fluid balance may be recorded

Answer 15

anaesthetic chart or on separate fluid balance chart

Question 16

What should be recorded in fluid balance charts

Answer 16

In - IV, oral, blood, irrigation

Out - urine, blood loss (suction, swabs, drain, spillages on floor)

Question 17

Why is it important to accurately record intake and output

Answer 17

because close monitoring and observation provides opportunity to correct imbalances before they are significant.