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Isotonic solutions stay in the extracellular space and expand volume without shifting water into/out of cells.
Potassium is the main intracellular electrolyte; imbalances risk arrhythmias.
Hyponatremia means low plasma sodium concentration.
Metabolic acidosis results from increased acid or loss of base (HCO3−).
Kidneys modulate bicarbonate to balance pH; lungs adjust CO2.
Edema is generalized or localized swelling from fluid in interstitial spaces.
Hypervolemia is excess fluid; it can accompany hyponatremia depending on osmolality.
Low potassium raises risk of dangerous arrhythmias.
Dehydration concentrates the blood, raising osmolality.
Ascites is fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity from liver disease or other causes.
Sodium is the primary extracellular electrolyte regulating fluid balance.
Hyponatremia = serum Na+ < 135 mEq/L.
Hypervolemia is excess fluid in the body.
Lungs rapidly modulate CO2 to affect blood pH; kidneys adjust bicarbonate more slowly.
BMP/CMP panels assess electrolyte and metabolic status via blood chemistry.
Isotonic solutions expand extracellular fluid without net cell water movement.
FVE results from impaired excretion or excess intake of fluids.
Potassium is the dominant intracellular cation essential for excitability.
Hypocalcemia = Ca2+ below normal range.
Hyperventilation lowers CO2, causing respiratory alkalosis.
Severe dehydration can lead to metabolic acidosis via bicarbonate loss and lactic acidosis in some cases.
I&O tracks all fluids consumed and eliminated to assess balance.
Edema and edema-related body signs point to FVE when intake exceeds excretion.
Severe hyperkalemia can cause arrest; monitor K+ closely.
Dehydration is water loss; hypovolemia involves water and electrolytes.
Ascites is fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity, common in cirrhosis.
Hyponatremia means Na+ concentration is too low.
This topic set does not cover ARDS; focus on fluids/electrolytes here.
Kidneys regulate osmolality by adjusting water and solute excretion.
Sodium primarily regulates extracellular fluid and muscle function.
mL is the standard metric unit for precise I&O recording.
0.9% NaCl is a primary isotonic crystalloid used for fluid resuscitation.
Hypocalcemia = Ca2+ below normal range.
Vomiting or diuretics can raise bicarbonate, causing metabolic alkalosis.
Dehydration concentrates plasma, increasing osmolality.
Pleural effusion is fluid in the pleural space around lungs.
Hypertonic fluids draw water out of cells, shrinking them.
Elevated serum osmolality suggests concentrated blood from dehydration.
FVD presents with hypovolemia signs like weight loss and low blood pressure.
High potassium can destabilize cardiac conduction.
BMP/CMP focuses on electrolytes and metabolic status; platelets are not included.
Third spacing refers to fluid accumulation in nonfunctional areas.
ABG measures pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3− for acid-base status.
Kidneys reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate as needed to balance pH.
Anasarca describes widespread severe edema across the body.
Sepsis can cause lactic acidosis contributing to metabolic acidosis.
Hypomagnesemia is Mg2+ below normal range and can cause neuromuscular symptoms.
I&O helps assess effectiveness of diuretic therapy and fluid status.
I&O tracks fluid balance to guide therapy and detect imbalances.
Sodium drives nerve impulse transmission and fluid distribution.
Loss of base or excess acid lowers bicarbonate, causing metabolic acidosis.
Pericardial effusion is fluid around the heart; distinct from pleural effusion.
Dry mucosa and poor skin turgor point to dehydration.
Confusion can indicate electrolyte or fluid imbalance in older adults.
Bleeding can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss leading to FVD.
Cholesterol is unrelated to acid-base balance.
Water moves by osmosis to areas with higher solute concentration (sodium).
Metabolic acidosis involves excess acid or loss of base, lowering pH.
I&O is typically recorded at least every 8 hours per protocol.
Fluid overload can occur with low Na+ depending on distribution; monitor carefully.
Test your knowledge about the 5 seeing habits discussed in the text 'UPS 5 seeing habits'.