Water and Electrolytes Flashcards
what is waters job/purpose?
- Solvent
- Transportation
- Lubrication
- Protection
- Regulation of body temp
- Involved in chemical reactions such as hydrolysis and condensation
- Maintenance of acid base balance
where is the water in the body?
Blood is about 90%
Muscle is 75%
Bone is 25%
Adipocytes contain only 10% water
2/3 of body water is contained where?
in the cells
1/3 of the body water makes up what fluid?
extracellular fluid, this includes water in blood and lymph as well as between cells (interstitial fluid)
during osmosis, will water move in a high or low concentration of solutes?
high
does BP contribute to water movement?
yes
do acids or bases donate H+?
acids
There is a narrow range of pH necessary to maintain life (acid base balance). T or F
T
what maintains pH?
equilibrium between bicarb and CO2 in the blood
what is the major buffering system in the blood?
carbonic acid - bicarbonate equilibrium
what would happen if there was no bicarbonate equilibrium?
The pH of blood would drop dramatically if not for this system
what is the major source of acid and its buffer?
The carbon dioxide (CO2) produced from fuel metabolism
is water stored in the body?
no
- Almost all water consumed is absorbed and excreted
- water in = water out
what populations are most at risk for dehydration?
Infants, athletes and the elderly
Too much water consumed very quickly can cause what condition?
hyponatremia, causing edema
what food groups are especially high in water content?
Fruits, vegetables and dairy
what are the 3 principal ions?
sodium, potassium and chloride
In the western diet, too much salt is usually consumed (sodium chloride) amd too little potassium. T or F
t
why is a DRI for electrolytes recommended?
to minimize the risk of high blood pressure
High blood pressure risk is associated with what?
genetics, age, disease conditions (diabetes) and lifestyle choices
what is osmosis?
process of water based on concentration gradients
Water will move to an area where there is a high level of:
solutes
Large shifts in solute concentrations cause fluid imbalances, what are the conditions called?
Hyponatremia or hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia or hyperkalemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoproteinemia
when is potassium (positive ion) at its highest concentration?
inside cells
when is sodium (positive ion) at its highest concentration?
outside cells
the concentration gradient is maintained by what?
sodium-potassium ATPase
- energy is required to maintain this gradient
- This arrangement is necessary for nerve impulses and muscle contraction
what are the main causes for an electrolyte deficiency?
heavy sweating, chronic diarrhea, vomiting or kidney disorders
what medication may cause potassium loss, necessitating potassium supplements?
thiazide diuretics
Electrolyte deficiencies can lead to what?
acid base imbalance, confusion, apathy, muscle cramps, constipation, poor appetite and eventually irregular heartbeat
Hypertension increases risks for what conditions?
cardiovascular disease, MI and stroke
what does blood transport?
nutrients, hormones, proteins, cells, oxygen etc
does high intake of sodium increase or decrease blood volume and blood pressure ?
increase
does high intakes of fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium increase or decrease BP?
decrease
is caffeine a diuretic?
yes, short term, not after you build a tolerance
what is Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension (DASH)?
intervention to help manage hypertension
The combination of the DASH diet and low sodium intake lowered BP the most
