Ch. 41 Fluids and Electrolytes Study Guide Questions – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Extracellular body fluids
answer
Is the fluid outside the cell (interstitial, intravascular, and transcellular fluid)
question
Intracellular body fluids
answer
Comprises all fluid within the cells of the body (42% of body weight)
question
Cations
answer
Positively charged electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium)
question
Anions
answer
Negatively charged electrolytes (chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate)
question
meg/L
answer
Represents the number of grams of the specific electrolyte dissolved in a liter of plasma
question
Solute
answer
Is an electrolyte; oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, and proteins
question
Osmosis
answer
Involves the movement of a pure solvent across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lesser solute concentration to an area of greater solute concentration
question
Osmols
answer
The concentration of a solution is measured in osmols, which reflects the amount of a substance in the form of molecules, ions, or both
question
Osmotic pressure
answer
Is the drawing power of water and depends on the number of molecules in solution
question
Osmolality
answer
The osmotic pressure of a solution
question
Osmolarity
answer
Another term that describes the concentration of solution
question
Isotonic solution
answer
The solutions on both sides of the semipermeable membrane are equal in concentration (expand the body's fluid volume without causing a fluid shift from one compartment to another).
question
Hypertonic solution
answer
A solution of higher osmotic pressure (pulls fluid from cells, causing them to shrink)
question
Hypotonic solution
answer
A solution of lower osmotic pressure (moves fluids into the cells, causing them to enlarge)
question
Diffusion
answer
Random movement of a solute in a solution across a semipermeable membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
question
Concentration gradient
answer
The difference between two concentrations
question
Filtration
answer
Is the process by which water and diffusible substances move together across a membrane, in response to fluid pressure, moving from an area of higher pressure to one of lower pressure
question
Active transport
answer
Requires metabolic activity and expenditure of energy to move substances across the cell membrane
question
Three ways that body fluids are regulated
answer
a. Fluid intake b. Hormonal controls c. Fluid output
question
Osmoreceptors
answer
Continually monitor the serum osmotic pressure
question
Hypovolemia
answer
Excess fluid is lost
question
Dehydration
answer
Risk for clients who are unable to perceive or respond to the thirst mechanism
question
Antidiuretic hormone
answer
Is stored in the pituitary gland and is released in response to changes in the blood osmolarity
question
Angiotension I
answer
Causes vasoconstriction
question
Angiotension II
answer
Causes massive selective vasoconstriction of blood vessels and relocates blood flow to kidneys and stimulates the release of aldosterone (when the sodium is low)
question
Aldosterone
answer
Adrenal cortex releases in response to increased plasma potassium levels
question
atrial natriuetic peptide
answer
Plays a critical role in the balance of fluid and electrolytes and the maintenance of vascular tone
question
Four organs of water loss
answer
a. Kidneys b. Skin c. Lungs d. Gastrointestinal tract
question
Insensible water loss
answer
Is continuous and occurs through the skin and lungs, not perceived by the person
question
Sensible water loss
answer
Occurs through excess perspiration and can be perceived by the client
question
Values of Sodium
answer
135-145 mEq/L
question
Values of Potassium
answer
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
question
Values of Calcium
answer
4.5-5.5 mg/dL
question
Values of Magnesium
answer
1.5-2.5 mEq/L
question
Values of Chloride
answer
95-105 mEq/L
question
Values of Bicarbonate
answer
22-26 (arterial) mEq/L 24-30 (venous) mEq/L
question
Values of Phosphate
answer
2.8-4.5 mg/dL
question
Function of Sodium
answer
Major contributor to maintain water balance
question
Function of Potassium
answer
Is necessary for glycogen deposits in the liver and skeletal muscle, transmission and conduction of nerve impulses, normal cardiac conduction, and skeletal and smooth muscle contraction
question
Function of Calcium
answer
Bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, hormone secretion, cell membrane integrity, cardiac conduction, transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction
question
Function of Magnesium
answer
Essential for enzyme activities, neurochemical activities, and cardiac and skeletal muscle excitability
question
Function of Chloride
answer
Chloride is the major anion in extracellular fluid (ECF). The transport of _______ follows sodium.
question
Function of Bicarbonate
answer
The ________ ion is an essential component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system essential to acid-base balance.
question
Function of Phosphate
answer
It assists in acid-base regulation. ______ and calcium help to develop and maintain bones and teeth. ________ also promotes normal neuromuscular action and participates in carbohydrate metabolism.
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Sodium
answer
Dietary intake and aldosterone secretion
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Potassium
answer
Dietary intake and renal excretion regulate this
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Calcium
answer
Absorbed from intestine, excreted by the kidneys and reabsorbed or deposited in bone Regulated by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Magnesium
answer
regulated by dietary intake, renal mechanisms, and actions of the parathyroid hormone (PTH).
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Chloride
answer
regulated by dietary intake and the kidneys
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Bicarbonate
answer
The kidneys regulate this
question
Regulatory Mechanism of Phosphate
answer
normally absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is regulated by dietary intake, renal excretion, intestinal absorption, and PTH
question
Three types of acid-base regulators in the body
answer
a. Chemical b. Biological c. Physiological buffering
question
Hyponatremia Lab Finding
answer
Serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L, serum osmolality 280 mOsm/kg, and urine specific gravity below 1.010 (if not caused by syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone [SIADH])
question
Hyponatremia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Apprehension, personality change, postural hypotension, postural dizziness, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, convulsions, and coma
question
Hypernatremia Lab Finding
answer
Serum sodium levels above 145 mEq/L, serum osmolality 300 mOsm/kg, and urine specific gravity 1.030 (if not caused by diabetes insipidus
question
Hypernatremia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Extreme thirst, dry and flushed skin, dry and sticky tongue and mucous membranes, postural hypotension, fever, agitation, convulsions, restlessness, and irritability
question
Hypokalemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities: flattened T wave; ST segment depression; U wave; potentiated digoxin effects (e.g., ventricular dysrhythmias)
question
Hypokalemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Weakness and fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, intestinal distention, decreased bowel sounds, decreased deep tendon reflexes, ventricular dysrhythmias, paresthesias, and weak, irregular pulse
question
Hyperkalemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L and ECG abnormalities: peaked T wave and widened QRS complex (bradycardia, heart block, dysrhythmias); eventually QRS pattern widens and cardiac arrest occurs
question
Hyperkalemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Anxiety, dysrhythmias, paresthesia, weakness, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea
question
Hypocalcemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum ionized calcium level below 4.5 mEq/L or total serum calcium below 8.5 mg/dL and ECG abnormalities: ventricular tachycardia
question
Hypocalcemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Numbness and tingling of fingers and circumoral (around mouth) region, hyperactive reflexes, positive Trousseau's sign (carpopedal spasm with hypoxia), positive Chvostek's sign (contraction of facial muscles when facial nerve is tapped), tetany, muscle cramps, and pathological fractures (chronic hypocalcemia)
question
Hypercalcemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum ionized calcium level above 5.5 mEq/L or total serum calcium level above 10.5 mg/dL; x-ray examination showing generalized osteoporosis, widespread bone cavitation, radiopaque urinary stones; and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level 25 mg/100 mL and elevated creatinine level 1.5 mg/100 mL caused by fluid volume deficit (FVD) or renal damage caused by urolithiasis; ECG abnormalities: heart block
question
Hypercalcemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting, weakness, hypoactive reflexes, lethargy, flank pain (from kidney stones), decreased level of consciousness, personality changes, and cardiac arrest
question
Hypomagnesemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum magnesium level below 1.5 mEq/L
question
Hypomagnesemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Muscular tremors, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, confusion and disorientation, tachycardia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, and positive Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign
question
Hypermagnesemia Lab Finding
answer
Serum magnesium level above 2.5 mEq/L; ECG abnormalities: prolonged QT interval, AV block
question
Hypermagnesemia Signs and Symptoms
answer
Acute elevations in magnesium levels: hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, decreased depth and rate of respirations, hypotension, and flushing
question
pH
answer
Measures the hydrogen ion concentration in the body fluids (7.35 to 7.45)
question
PaCO2
answer
Is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (35 to 45 mm Hg)
question
PaO2
answer
Is the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood (80 to 100 mm Hg)
question
Oxygen saturation
answer
Is the point at which hemoglobin is saturated by oxygen (95% to 99%)
question
Base excess
answer
Is the amount of blood buffer (hemoglobin and bicarbonate) that exists (+/- 2 mEq/L)
question
Bicarbonate
answer
Is the major renal component of acid-base balance (22 to 26 mEq/L)
question
Respiratory acidosis Lab Findings
answer
Arterial blood gas alterations: pH 45 mm Hg, PaO2 26 mEq/L (if compensated)
question
Respiratory acidosis Signs and Symptoms
answer
Confusion, dizziness, lethargy, headache, ventricular dysrhythmias, warm and flushed skin, muscular twitching, convulsions, and coma
question
Metabolic acidosis Lab Findings
answer
Arterial blood gas alterations: pH < 7.35, PaCO2 normal (if uncompensated) or < 35 mm Hg (if compensated), PaO2 normal or increased (with rapid, deep respirations), bicarbonate level < 22 mEq/L, and oxygen saturation normal
question
Metabolic acidosis Signs and Symptoms
answer
Headache, lethargy, confusion, dysrhythmias, tachypnea with deep respirations, abdominal cramps, and flushed skin
question
Respiratory alkalosis Lab Findings
answer
Arterial blood gas alterations: pH > 7.45, PaCO2 < 35 mm Hg, PaO2 normal, and bicarbonate level normal (if short lived or uncompensated) or < 22 mEq/L (if compensated)
question
Respiratory alkalosis Signs and Symptoms
answer
Dizziness, confusion, dysrhythmias, tachypnea, numbness and tingling of extremities, convulsions, and coma
question
Metabolic alkalosis Lab Findings
answer
Arterial blood gas alterations: pH > 7.45, PaCO2 normal (if uncompensated) or > 45 mm Hg (if compensated), PaO2 normal, and bicarbonate level > 26 mEq/L
question
Metabolic alkalosis Signs and Symptoms
answer
Dizziness; dysrhythmias; numbness and tingling of fingers, toes, and circumoral region; muscle cramps; tetany
question
Risk factors for fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances
answer
a. Age—Very young; very old b. Gender—Women c. Environment—Diet, exercise, and hot weather and sweating d. Chronic diseases—Cancer; cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure; endocrine disease, such as Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus; malnutrition; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and renal disease e. Trauma—Crush injuries, head injuries, burns f. Therapies—Diuretics, steroids, intravenous (IV) therapy, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) g. Gastrointestinal losses - Gastroenteritis; nasogastric suctioning; fistulas
question
How can age affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Infants and children have greater water needs and are more vulnerable to fluid volume alterations; fever in children creates an increase in the rate of insensible water loss; adolescents have increased metabolic processes; older adults have decreased thirst sensation, which often causes electrolyte imbalances
question
How can acute illness affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Surgery, head and chest trauma, shock, and second- and third-degree burns place the clients at risk.
question
How can surgery affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
The more extensive the surgery and fluid loss, the greater the body's response
question
How can burns affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
The greater the body surface burned, the greater the fluid loss
question
How can respiratory disorders affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Predispose to respiratory acidosis and/or respiratory alkalosis
question
How can head injury affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Can result in cerebral edema and diabetes insipidus
question
How can chronic illness affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), or renal disease
question
How can cancer affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Depends on the type and progression of the cancer and its treatment (diarrhea and anorexia)
question
How can cardiovascular disease affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Diminished cardiac output, which reduces kidney perfusion and decreases urine output
question
How can renal disorders affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Causes an abnormal retention of sodium, chloride, potassium, and water (metabolic acidosis)
question
How can gastrointestinal disturbances affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Gastroenteritis and nasogastric suctioning result in the loss of fluid, potassium, and chloride ions.
question
How can environmental factors affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Vigorous exercise or exposure to extreme temperatures
question
How can diet affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Recent changes in appetite or the ability to chew and swallow (breakdown of glycogen and fat stores, metabolic acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, edema)
question
How can lifestyle affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
History of smoking or alcohol consumption (respiratory acidosis)
question
How can medication affect fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances?
answer
Diuretics—Metabolic alkalosis, hyperkalemia, and hypokalemia Steroids—Metabolic alkalosis Potassium supplements—GI disturbances, including intestinal and gastric ulcers and diarrhea Respiratory center depressants (e.g., opioid analgesics)—Decreased rate and depth of respirations, resulting in respiratory acidosis Antibiotics—Nephrotoxicity (e.g., vancomycin, methicillin, or aminoglycosides); hyperkalemia and/or hypernatremia (e.g., azlocillin, carbenicillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, or Unasyn) Calcium carbonate (Tums)—Mild metabolic alkalosis with nausea and vomiting Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)—Hypokalemia Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs—Nephrotoxicity
question
Imbalances associated with Weight loss of 5% to 8%:
answer
Mild to moderate fluid volume deficit (FVD)
question
Imbalances associated with Irritability
answer
Metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, hyperosmolar imbalance, hypernatremia, hypokalemia
question
Imbalances associated with Lethargy
answer
FVD, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, hypercalcemia
question
Imbalances associated with Periorbital edema
answer
Fluid volume excess (FVE)
question
Imbalances associated with Sticky, dry mucous membranes
answer
FVD, hypernatremia
question
Imbalances associated with Chvostek's sign
answer
Hypocalcemia
question
Imbalances associated with Distended neck veins
answer
FVE
question
Imbalances associated with Dysrhythmias
answer
Metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis and acidosis, potassium imbalance, hypomagnesemia
question
Imbalances associated with Weak pulse
answer
FVD, hypokalemia
question
Imbalances associated with Low blood pressure
answer
FVD, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia
question
Imbalances associated with Third heart sound
answer
FVE
question
Imbalances associated with Increased respiratory rate
answer
FVE, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis
question
Imbalances associated with Crackles
answer
FVE
question
Imbalances associated with Anorexia
answer
Metabolic acidosis
question
Imbalances associated with Abdominal cramps
answer
Metabolic acidosis
question
Imbalances associated with Poor skin turgor
answer
FVD
question
Imbalances associated with Oliguria or anuria
answer
FVD, FVE
question
Imbalances associated with Increased specific gravity
answer
FVD
question
Imbalances associated with Muscle cramps, tetany
answer
: Hypocalcemia, metabolic or respiratory alkalosis
question
Imbalances associated with Hypertonicity of muscles on palpation
answer
Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis
question
Imbalances associated with Decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes
answer
Hypokalemia, hypercalcemia
question
Imbalances associated with Increased temperature
answer
Hypernatremia, hyperosmolar imbalance, metabolic acidosis
question
Imbalances associated with Distended abdomen
answer
Third-space syndrome
question
Imbalances associated with Cold, clammy skin
answer
FVD
question
Imbalances associated with 2+ edema
answer
FVE