Nursing Chapter 19 Fluid & Electrolyte Flashcards

Fluid and Electrolyte Overview

• Intracellular fluid refers to the fluid within cells, essential for cellular function.
• Extracellular fluid is categorized into plasma and interstitial fluid, accounting for body fluid outside cells.
• Interstitial fluid specifically surrounds cells, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange.

Fluid Balance Mechanisms

• The primary mechanism for maintaining fluid balance involves adjusting fluid output to match fluid input.
• Kidneys have the greatest impact on fluid output, regulating water loss through urine.
• Hormones such as ANH reduce body water while ADH and aldosterone increase water retention.

Dehydration Indicators

• Initial signs of dehydration include decreased salivary secretions.
• Common causes of dehydration are prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, and insufficient fluid intake.

Body Water Composition

• Newborns possess approximately 80% body water, the highest percentage among all age groups.
• Body water percentage is higher in infants compared to adults due to differences in body composition.

Electrolyte Concentrations

• The most abundant positive ion in blood plasma is Sodium, crucial for fluid balance and nerve function.
• Chloride is the predominant negative ion in plasma, playing a role in acid-base balance and digestion.
• Iron is vital for hemoglobin production, essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Fluid Loss and Regulation

• Significant fluid loss occurs through kidneys, skin, lungs, and intestines; fluid regulation is vital for homeostasis.
• The body alters urine production to maintain fluid levels, influenced by hydration status.

Water Intoxication Risks

• Rapid consumption of water can lead to water intoxication, particularly in individuals unable to excrete excess fluids effectively.

Age-Related Water Composition

• Elderly individuals often show increased body fat and lower muscle mass, which impacts body water composition.
• Contrary to common belief, obese individuals do not have a higher water content per pound of body weight than slender individuals.

True/False Statements

• Adults have less water per pound than infants; women typically have less water than men; fluid balance primarily adjusts fluid output rather than intake.
• Fluid loss and water intoxication are factual concepts that impact overall health, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Matching Terms (Bonus Points)

• Familiarize with terms such as hyperkalemia (high potassium), hyponatremia (low sodium), hypocalcemia (low calcium), hypernatremia (high sodium), hypercalcemia (high calcium), hypokalemia (low potassium) for understanding electrolyte imbalances.