Fluid & Electrolytes

Question 1

What is necessary for life in relation to fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 1

The regulation of body fluid, fluid osmolality, and electrolytes

Fluid balance affects various physiological functions.

Question 2

How does fluid in the body affect vital signs?

Answer 2

It influences workload of heart, formation of edema, and oxygenation

Vital signs can indicate fluid imbalance.

Question 3

What is the primary component of body fluid?

Answer 3

Water

Fluid also contains electrolytes.

Question 4

What happens if the quality of fluid or concentration of electrolytes strays outside precise boundaries?

Answer 4

Life-threatening disorders can occur.

Question 5

What percentage of a typical adult’s body is fluid?

Answer 5

Approximately 60%

This percentage varies with age, body fat, and gender.

Question 6

What are the two main compartments of body fluid?

Answer 6

Intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF)

ICF makes up 2/3 and ECF makes up 1/3 of body fluid.

Question 7

What is the function of extracellular fluid?

Answer 7

Carries oxygen and nutrients to, and waste away from cells.

Question 8

What are the major cations in the body?

Answer 8

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Hydrogen ions

Question 9

What are the major anions in the body?

Answer 9

• Chloride
• Bicarbonate
• Phosphate
• Sulfate
• Negatively charged protein ions

Question 10

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 10

Pressure that a contained fluid exerts on what is confining it.

Question 11

Define osmosis.

Answer 11

Movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane from low concentration to high concentration.

Question 12

What is the normal serum osmolality range?

Answer 12

270-300 mosm/kg.

Question 13

What is the primary regulator of fluid intake?

Answer 13

Thirst.

Question 14

What is hypervolemia?

Answer 14

Expansion of the ECF due to an increase in total body sodium content and total body water.

Question 15

What causes fluid volume excess?

Answer 15

• Overdose of fluids (oral, enteral, IV)
• Compromised regulatory systems (heart failure, kidney disease)
• Excessive sodium consumption

Question 16

What are symptoms of fluid volume excess?

Answer 16

• Pulmonary edema
• Tachycardia
• Hypertension
• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• JVD

Question 17

What is the goal of medical management for fluid volume excess?

Answer 17

Remove excess fluid from the body.

Question 18

What is hypovolemia?

Answer 18

Lack of both water and electrolytes causing a decrease in circulating blood volume.

Question 19

What are common causes of fluid volume deficit?

Answer 19

• Excessive gastrointestinal loss
• Excessive skin loss
• Excessive renal losses
• Hemorrhage or plasma loss

Question 20

What laboratory findings are associated with fluid volume deficit?

Answer 20

• Increased serum and urine osmolality
• Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit
• Increased BUN

Question 21

What is the treatment for mild fluid volume deficit?

Answer 21

Oral rehydration.

Question 22

What types of intravenous fluids are used for fluid replacement?

Answer 22

• Crystalloids
• Colloids

Question 23

What characterizes isotonic fluids?

Answer 23

Osmolarity = 270-300 mosm/L; replenishes cells without changing shape.

Question 24

What are the risks of using hypertonic fluids?

Answer 24

Can lead to dehydration.

Question 25

What is the effect of hypotonic fluids on cells?

Answer 25

Causes osmotic movement of water into cells, expanding them.

Question 26

What are gerontologic considerations for fluid imbalances?

Answer 26

* Subtle clinical manifestations * Increased risk of delirium * Dehydration is common

Question 27

What is the sodium-potassium pump an example of?

Answer 27

Active transport.