Fluid & Electrolytes
Obesity raises dehydration risk for this reason (TEST ITEM).
What is adipose cells contain little water & fat is water-repelling?
Most cases of acute pharyngitis are caused by these (adenovirus, influenza, EBV, HSV).
What are viruses?
Subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations of varying intensity.
What is dyspnea?
“Bones, stones, groans, and psychiatric overtones” (bone pain, kidney stones, constipation, confusion) plus muscle weakness and polyuria describe this.
What is hypercalcemia?
pH 7.28
PaCO₂ 58 mm Hg
HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L
PaO₂ 62 mm Hg
Uncompensated respiratory acidosis with hypoxemia
This single measurement is the most accurate and important indicator of overall fluid volume status.
What is daily weight?
losure or collapse of alveoli; most common postoperatively due to secretions, mucus plugs, or shallow breathing.
What is atelectasis?
Change in sputum that must be carefully noted (amount, consistency, color, odor).
What is abnormal sputum?
Facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped is this sign; carpopedal spasm with blood-pressure cuff inflation is this sign; the latter is more sensitive and specific for hypocalcemia.
What are Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs?
pH 7.31
PaCO₂ 38 mm Hg
HCO₃⁻ 18 mEq/L
PaO₂ 78 mm Hg
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis with mild hypoxemia
Low levels of this electrolyte hyperpolarize the membrane (cells less excitable); high levels partially depolarize it (cells more excitable).
What is potassium
Inflammation of the lung parenchyma caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, or viruses.
What is pneumonia?
Digital finding associated with chronic hypoxemia.
What is clubbing?
Tall, peaked T waves are the classic early ECG change of this imbalance.
What is hyperkalemia?
pH 7.48
PaCO₂ 30 mm Hg
HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L
PaO₂ 95 mm Hg
Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis (normal oxygenation)
Pressure sensors in the left atrium, carotid, and aortic arches that respond to blood-volume changes.
What are baroreceptors?
Interaction between an antigen and an antibody that produces symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
What is an allergic reaction?
A change from restlessness/agitation to increasing drowsiness or confusion in a respiratory patient often signals this.
What is worsening respiratory failure (inadequate oxygenation or CO₂ retention)?
Spinach, avocados, tomatoes, and dried fruits are high in this electrolyte.
What is potassium?
pH 7.49
PaCO₂ 42 mm Hg
HCO₃⁻ 32 mEq/L
PaO₂ 92 mm Hg
Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis (normal oxygenation)
Preferred route for mild fluid deficit; required route for severe/acute loss.
What is oral versus IV?
Most important assessment finding not to miss in an older adult with possible pneumonia.
What is tachypnea/rising respiratory rate?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
What is the organism that causes tuberculosis, described as an acid-fast aerobic rod that is sensitive to heat and ultraviolet light?
Post-thyroidectomy patient develops facial twitching and carpopedal spasm.
What is hypocalcemia?
pH 7.36
PaCO₂ 48 mm Hg
HCO₃⁻ 30 mEq/L
PaO₂ 65 mm Hg
Fully compensated respiratory acidosis with hypoxemia (pH is back in normal range)