Fluid-Electrolyte Balance Flashcards
What are three causes of a fluid-electrolyte imbalance?
Dehydration, edema, and third spacing
What happens during dehydration?
There is a decrease in interstitial and intravascular fluids, volume deficit
What are causes of dehydration?
Inadequate intake, loss of fluid to a third space, increased skin, renal or GI loss
Describe edema
Fluid build-up in interstitial spaces from movement of fluid out of intravascular spaces
When can edema be life threatening?
When it occurs in the lungs or the brain
What are causes of edema?
Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (push pressure), decreased osmotic pressure (pull pressure), increased capillary permeability, or lymph flow obstruction
Describe third spacing
Fluid accumulation in any space other than interstitial, intercellular or intravascular spaces
What is the pathway fluid follows as it flows from blood vessel to the cell?
BV to interstitial to intracellular
What is fluid?
Water and electrolytes
