Body Fluid and Electrolytes

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Questions and Answers

What hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland to regulate water balance in the body?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (correct)

Aldosterone

Renin

Cortisol

What is the primary condition characterized by the loss of extracellular fluid (ECF) more than the intake of water?

Edema

Hypovolemia (correct)

Hypervolemia

Dehydration

Which electrolyte is primarily regulated by aldosterone?

Sodium (correct)

Chloride

Calcium

Potassium

What distinguishes dehydration from fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

Dehydration is characterized by loss of water alone. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

Decreased exercise leading to fluid retention Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnosis is correctly associated with increased serum sodium levels?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of a typical adult's body weight is comprised of fluid?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism triggers thirst in the body?

Changes in osmotic pressure due to sodium Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fluid makes up 2/3 of the body fluid?

Intracellular fluid Signup and view all the answers

If a patient experiences vomiting and diarrhea, what is the likely consequence?

Fluid volume deficit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cation?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the movement of fluid from low solute concentration to high solute concentration?

Osmosis Signup and view all the answers

Which pressure is exerted by proteins in plasma and influences fluid movement?

Osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which fluid surrounds the cells and is classified as interstitial fluid?

Lymph Signup and view all the answers

What best describes electrolytes in the body?

Active chemicals carrying electrical charges Signup and view all the answers

Which component would NOT affect the movement of fluid through capillary walls?

Gravitational force Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nursing intervention for fluid volume deficit (FVD) in hospitalized patients?

Restore fluids via oral route first Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of fluid volume excess (FVE)?

Decreased kidney function Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with fluid volume excess (FVE)?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory findings might indicate fluid volume excess?

Decreased hematocrit and hyponatremia Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing action is critical when managing a patient with fluid volume excess?

Perform weight checks daily Signup and view all the answers

Which diuretic administration is typically warranted in cases of fluid volume excess?

Loop diuretics as indicated Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of administering excessive sodium-containing fluids?

Promotes fluid overload Signup and view all the answers

What assessment should be performed in a patient experiencing potential fluid overload?

Assess for changes in level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of normal saline (0.9% NaCl)?

For blood transfusions Signup and view all the answers

Which IV fluid is classified as hypotonic?

D5W ¼ NS Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended precaution when administering hypotonic fluids?

Give slowly to avoid cellular edema Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following IV fluids is hypertonic?

D5LR Signup and view all the answers

Which condition should not be treated with hypotonic fluids?

Increased intercranial pressure (ICP) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Fluid

Approximately 60% of a typical adult's body weight is comprised of fluid (water and electrolytes).
Body fluid distribution varies with age, body fat, and gender.
Intracellular fluid (ICF) constitutes about two-thirds of total body fluid, primarily in skeletal muscle.

Fluid Components

Extracellular fluid (ECF) is divided into:
- Intravascular fluid: includes blood plasma and cellular components like erythrocytes and leukocytes.
- Interstitial fluid: surrounds cells.
- Transcellular fluid: includes cerebrospinal, pericardial, synovial fluids.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are active chemicals with electrical charges, divided into cations (positive) and anions (negative).
Common cations: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Hydrogen.
Common anions: Chloride, Bicarbonate, Phosphate, Sulfate.
Concentrations of these electrolytes differ between ICF and ECF.

Regulation of Fluid

Osmosis is the movement of water from low to high solute concentration.
Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted on blood vessel walls, while osmotic pressure is due to proteins in plasma.
Fluid movement relies on the balance of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure differences.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis involves maintaining body fluid within normal limits.
The posterior pituitary gland regulates water release via Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH).
The adrenal cortex releases aldosterone to regulate sodium levels, affecting osmotic pressure and triggering thirst.

Fluid Volume Disturbances

Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD): loss of extracellular fluid greater than water intake, can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration specifically refers to water loss despite sodium levels remaining constant, resulting in increased serum sodium.

Causes of Fluid Volume Deficit

Abnormal fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.
Decreased intake due to nausea or lack of access to fluids.
Third space shifts from conditions like burns or ascites.
Conditions like diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or hemorrhage can also lead to FVD.

Nursing Management of FVD

Utilize IV fluids for hospitalized patients who need fluid restoration.
Try oral fluid replacement when feasible.
Monitor vital signs and laboratory tests (sodium, urine specific gravity, hemoglobin, and hematocrit).

Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)

FVE is characterized by abnormal expansion of extracellular fluid due to sodium and water retention.
Causes of overhydration include heart failure, decreased kidney function, and excessive sodium intake.

Clinical Manifestations of FVE

Symptoms include edema, weight gain, distended neck veins, difficulty breathing, confusion, muscle cramping, and nausea.
Laboratory findings typically reveal hyponatremia, decreased BUN, and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Nursing Management of FVE

Monitor weight gain and intake/output.
Evaluate cardiac, respiratory function, and levels of consciousness.
Administer diuretics as ordered, and manage dietary sodium restrictions.

Types of IV Fluids

Isotonic fluids, like 0.9% NaCl and Lactated Ringer’s, are equal in concentration to body fluids and are used for blood transfusions and hemorrhage.
Hypotonic fluids, like 0.4% NaCl and D5W ¼ NS, are lower in osmolarity and are indicated for treating hypernatremia.
Hypertonic fluids, such as 3% NS and 5% NS, have higher osmolarity; caution is necessary to prevent fluid overload.

Electrolytes Review

Review essential electrolytes (Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphate) for values and functions during assessments or tests.

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Description

Test your knowledge on body fluid composition and the distribution of electrolytes. This quiz covers essential concepts such as intracellular and extracellular fluids, their components, and the role of osmosis in fluid regulation. Perfect for students in health science or biology courses.