Fluid and Electrolytes for Nursing Care (Questions with complete solutions)

Changes in body water content with age correct answers -Infants have low body fat, low bone mass, and are 70% or more water -Total water content declines throughout life -Healthy males are about 60% water; healthy females are around 50% (higher body fat/less muscle) -In old age, only about 45% of body weight is water -Adipose tissue repels water, the more body fat, the less water there will be Who is most at risk for fluid imbalances, especially dehydration? correct answers 1. Older adults- multiple factors 2. Infants- due to high body water content (most fluid outside the cell) Why are older adults more at risk for fluid imbalances, especially dehydration? correct answers -kidneys don't function well -vessels have decreased elasticity -decreased thirst mechanism Fluid compartments in the body correct answers 1. Blood vessels (EC): plasma= 5% of body weight 2. Interstitial space (EC): interstitial fluid=15% of body weight *extracellular fluid (20% total bwt) has higher sodium concentration 3. Body cells (IC): 40% of body weight, High potassium concentration Components of body fluid correct answers 1. Water 2. Electrolytes: Na, K, Ca, Mg (+), HCO3, Cl, PO4 (-) 3. Non-electrolytes: urea dextrose, creatinine Transcellular fluids correct answers Part of extracellular fluid. Produced by specialized cells. Includes: cerebral spinal fluid, digestive fluids, & synovial fluid. Functions of water correct answers -Solvent to transport nutrients to cells & remove waste products by cellular metabolism -Medium for metabolic reactions to occur -Assist in temperature regulation -Provides form & acts as shock absorber -Lubricant Functions of electrolytes correct answers -Assists in regulating water balance -Assists in regulating acid-base balance -Contributes to enzyme reactions -Essential to neuromuscular activity- For example Calcium and Sodium