Fluid Compartments
What is the main electrolyte found inside the cell?
Potassium (K⁺)
The movement of water from low solute concentration to high solute concentration is called what?
Osmosis.
Another term for fluid volume deficit is what?
Hypovolemia or dehydration.
Which electrolyte controls muscle and nerve function, especially in the heart?
Potassium (K⁺)
A patient has dry mucous membranes and low BP. What imbalance is likely?
Fluid volume deficit.
What is the main electrolyte in the extracellular fluid?
Sodium (Na⁺)
What is the primary protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure?
Albumin.
Name two causes of fluid volume deficit.
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or inadequate intake.
Sodium’s main function is to maintain what?
Fluid balance and nerve transmission.
Which symptom indicates fluid volume excess?
Crackles, edema, bounding pulses.
Name the three types of extracellular fluid compartments.
Intravascular, interstitial, and transcellular.
What pressure pushes water out of blood vessels?
Hydrostatic pressure.
What are two signs of fluid volume deficit?
Low BP, weak pulse, dry mucous membranes, poor turgor.
Calcium helps regulate which two body systems?
Muscular and nervous systems.
What is the priority nursing action for a patient with hyperkalemia and irregular pulse?
Place on cardiac monitor and notify provider.
Which compartment holds the largest amount of total body fluid?
Intracellular compartment.
When hydrostatic pressure exceeds oncotic pressure, what can result?
Edema.
A patient with heart failure and edema is experiencing what type of fluid problem?
Fluid volume excess.
Low magnesium can lead to which cardiac problem?
Dysrhythmias.
A patient’s sodium level is 128 mEq/L. Which symptom should the nurse expect?
Confusion or seizures.
Why is it important for fluid to stay balanced between compartments?
To maintain normal cell function, blood pressure, and tissue perfusion.
Explain how oncotic and hydrostatic pressures work together to keep fluid balanced.
Hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out; oncotic pressure pulls fluid back in, maintaining equilibrium.
A patient has ascites. What is this condition called and why does it occur?
Third spacing—fluid trapped in the peritoneal cavity, unavailable for circulation.
Phosphorus works closely with which electrolyte to maintain bone strength and metabolism?
Calcium.
What are two signs of hypocalcemia?
Tingling, muscle twitching, positive Chvostek/Trousseau signs.