acidosis
abnormally high acidity (excess hydrogen-ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
alkalosis
Abnormally low hydrogen ion concentration in the blood and other body tissues.
anaerobic metabolism
The cellular process in which glucose is metabolized into energy without oxygen. Energy is produced in an inefficient manner with many waste products (including acids)
buffer systems
Compensatory mechanisms that act together to control pH - includes chemical buffers, respiratory system and kidneys
bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system
one of the main buffers of plasma in the extracellular fluid, and also a buffer system in intracellular fluid. Regulated by lungs (controlling ventilation and CO2 excretion) and HCO3 reabsorption and H ion excretion in kidneys
bicarbonate
base produced by the kidneys
compensation
attempts by the body to correct acid-base imbalance and maintain homeostasis
aldosterone
Part of the RAAS system. Signals the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and water in the distal convoluted and collecting tubules,which increases blood pressure and decreases urine output.
anion
A negatively charged ion
anorexia
as a manifestation of disease - lack of appetite and intake of food
antidiuretic hormone
released in response to increased blood osmolarity; increases absorption of water in the collecting tubules of the kidneys. Increases intravascular fluid volume and decreases urine output.
ascites
abnormal collection of fluid volume in the abdominal cavity - as pertains to fluid and electrolyte balance is considered third spacing and can be the result of decreased protein in the intravascular space
cation
A positively charged ion
diffusion
Movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration to reach equilibrium
diuretic
a substance that increases urine production and decreases urine osmolarity
dysrhythmia
An abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia)
extracellular fluid
outside of the cell; includes intravascular, interstitial and transcellular
filtration
movement of fluid and solutes through capillary membranes due to hydrostatic pressure
hydrostatic pressure
Pressure exerted by a volume of fluid against a wall, membrane, or some other structure that encloses the fluid.
hypertonic
(of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than a comparison solution.
hypervolemia
Usually refers to excessive intravascular volume
hypothalmus
helps control/ produce hormone secretion by most other endocrine glands, produces ADH responsible for regulating water balance
hypotonic
(of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than a comparison solution
hypovolemia
Usually refers to deficient intravascular volume
interstitial fluid
Fills the space between the cells; allows for the movement of material into and out of cells
intracellular fluid
Also called cytoplasm. The watery solution found within cells.
intravascular fluid
the fluid within the circulatory system; blood plasma.
isotonic
(used of solutions) having the same or equal osmotic pressure
osmoreceptor
Located on the hypothalamus, it detects changes in osmolarity and signals for release of ADH.
osmosis
movement of water from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration across a semipermeable membrane
osmotic pressure
the pulling pressure of a solution; based on concentration of solutes
oncotic pressure
a form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in blood plasma that usually tends to pull water into the circulatory system
parasthesias
pins & needles feeling; numbness, tingling, etc.
skin turgor
Measure of hydration, which tests how quickly the skin returns to its normal position after being pinched
tetany
Constant muscle contractions; associated with hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.
transcellular
compartment of extracellular fluids, which include cerebrospinal, pericardial, pancreatic, pleural, intraocular, biliary, peritoneal, and synovial fluids
hyponatremia
Decrease of sodium in the blood either from overhydration related to increased intake or decreased excretion of fluid or by abnormal sodium losses
hypernatremia
An elevation of sodium in the blood either from dehydration, or increased sodium intake or retention
edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues.
albumin
most abundant plasma protein; responsible for most of oncotic pressure
dehydration
decreased total fluid volume status (not just intravascular)
third spacing
the movement of intravascular fluid to nonvascular fluid compartments, where it becomes trapped and useless (results in hypovolemia)
cerebral edema
Increase in the fluid (intracellular or extracellular) within the brain; can be caused by hyponatremia)
lethargy
Lack of energy; sluggishness
hypokalemia
A condition in which an inadequate amount of potassium, the major intracellular cation, is found in the circulatory bloodstream.
hyperkalemia
An abnormally high concentration of potassium ions in the blood; high potassium
hypercalcemia
Abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones
hypocalcemia
low calcium in the blood
resorption
When bone takes back calcium from the blood
reabsorption
when blood takes back calcium from bone -- also occurs in kidneys when glucose, sodium, potassium and other substances are removed from filtrate and returned to blood
Cvostek's sign
abnormal spasm of the facial muscle; a sign of hypocalcemia
Trousseau's sign
A sign of hypocalcemia . Carpal spasm caused by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic pressure and leaving it in place for 3 minutes.
sodium bicarbonate-carbonic acid system
buffer system that includes the combination of carbon dioxide with water and a bicarbonate ion. The normal ratio of bicarbonate ion to carbonic acid is 20:1, resulting in a normal pH of 7.4