Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance Quiz

Electrolytes like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-) are essential for various bodily functions like nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance.

Sodium (Na+) is the major cation in extracellular fluid. Hypokalemia (low sodium) causes low blood pressure, weakness, and confusion. Hypernatremia (high sodium) causes thirst, headache, and confusion.

Potassium (K+) is the major cation inside cells. Hypokalemia (low potassium) causes muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. Hyperkalemia (high potassium) causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and irregular heartbeat.

Calcium (Ca2+) is essential for strong bones, teeth, and proper nerve function. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) causes weakness, muscle spasms, and seizures. Hypercalcemia (high calcium) causes fatigue, confusion, and constipation.

The body's fluid compartments include intracellular fluid (inside cells), extracellular fluid (outside cells), interstitial fluid (between cells), and intravascular fluid (within blood vessels). Maintaining proper fluid balance is crucial for overall health.

Tonicity refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution compared to the cell's interior. Isotonic fluids have the same concentration, hypotonic fluids have a lower concentration, and hypertonic fluids have a higher concentration, affecting water movement across membranes.

Hypovolemia is a decrease in blood volume. It can be caused by dehydration, hemorrhage, or fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness.

The body's pH must stay within a narrow range (7.35-7.45) for proper cellular function. Deviations from this range can lead to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Three buffer systems help maintain pH balance: bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system, and protein buffer system. These systems rapidly neutralize acids and bases.

Ventilation is the process of breathing, which involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the environment.

The movement of gases between the alveoli and the blood, driven by differences in partial pressure.

A condition where the ratio of ventilation (airflow) to perfusion (blood flow) in the lungs is imbalanced.

The amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute.

The process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment.

A condition characterized by high blood pressure.

A life-threatening condition with inadequate blood flow to the tissues.

A condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

The death of heart muscle tissue due to lack of oxygen.

A condition where the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage to brain tissue.