Fluid and Electrolyte Transport
Mechanisms
Di#erentiate between osmosis, di#usion, filtration, and active transport.
Fluids and electrolytes move through the body using different transport mechanisms,
and understanding these is essential for managing imbalances effectively.
1. Osmosis: The movement of __________ from an area of __________ solute
water low
concentration to __________ solute concentration across a semi-permeable
high
membrane.
Example: A dehydrated patient experiences water shifting __________
o
out of
cells, causing them to __________.
shrink
2. Diffusion: The movement of __________ from an area of __________
solutes high
concentration to __________ concentration.
low
o Example: __________ diffuses from alveoli into the bloodstream.
oxygen
3. Filtration: The movement of fluid through a membrane due to __________
hydrostatic
pressure.
o Example: __________ filtration in the kidneys removes waste and excess
glomerular
substances.
4. Active Transport: The movement of solutes __________ a concentration
against
gradient, requiring ATP
__________.
energy
, Sodium potassium
o Example: The 1- pump is essential for nerve conduction and muscle
contraction.
! Clinical Application: A patient with congestive heart failure presents with pulmonary
edema. What transport mechanism is responsible for fluid shifting into the alveoli?
__________
filtration
" Critical Thinking: Albumin plays a key role in fluid balance by maintaining
__________ pressure in the bloodstream. When albumin levels drop, fluid shifts into
oncotic
__________ spaces, leading to __________.
interstitial edema
, Role of Organ Systems in Fluid Balance
Describe the role of the kidneys, lungs, and endocrine glands in regulating the
body’s fluid composition and volume.
The body relies on multiple systems to regulate fluids and electrolytes.
1. Kidneys: Filter blood, excrete __________, and adjust levels of __________,
waste sodium
__________, and __________.
potassium water
o When kidney function declines, __________ imbalances occur, leading to
electrolyte
conditions like __________.
hyperkalemia
2. Lungs: Regulate __________
1Ixide
base balance by controlling __________ levels.
acid
o Hypoventilation causes CO₂ to __________, leading to __________.
increase respiratoryacidosis
Hyperventilation causes CO₂ todecrease
__________, leading to __________. alkalosis
o
respiratory
3. Endocrine System: Regulates water retention through hormones like
Anti diuretic
__________ and aldosterone
__________.
hormone
SIADH results in __________ water retention, leading to __________
o
excess low
sodium levels.
! Clinical Application: A patient with SIADH has a low sodium level and minimal
urine output. What is happening physiologically? excess
__________
ADHcauses water
retentiondilutingsodiumlevels reducingurineoutput
" Critical Thinking: Adrenal insufficiency leads to a lack of aldosterone
__________, which results
in loss of __________ and __________. This causes decreased blood __________,
sodium water pressure
leading to __________ and __________.
hypotension shock
, Management of Fluid and Electrolyte
Imbalances
Plan e#ective care for patients with fluid volume deficit/excess,
hyponatremia/hypernatremia, hypokalemia/hyperkalemia.
Recognizing early signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalances is essential for effective
nursing care.
Fluid Volume Imbalances
1. Fluid Volume Deficit:
Symptoms: __________ mucous membranes,tachycardia
__________, __________
dry low
o
blood pressure.
Causes: Dehydration, __________ loss, excessive __________.
blood vomiting diarrhea
o
o Treatment: Replace fluids __________ or __________
IV if severe.
orally
2. Fluid Volume Excess:
o Symptoms: __________ blood pressure, __________ in the lungs,
high crackles
__________ edema.
pitting
Common in: __________ failure, kidney disease.
o
heart
o
fluid
Treatment: __________ restriction, __________ therapy.
diuretic
Sodium Imbalances
1. Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L):
o Symptoms: __________, seizures, __________ swelling.
Confusion Cerebral
o
sodium fluid
Treatment: Cautious __________ replacement or __________ restriction.