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Week 3 patho study guide
Pathophysiology (Chamberlain University)
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NR 283 Week 3
Study guide
Pathophysiologic Factors That Affect Fluid Imbalance
Fluid imbalances occur when the body cannot maintain proper fluid levels, leading to either fluid
overload (too much fluid) or dehydration (too little fluid). Several factors can disrupt this balance:
1. Kidney Dysfunction: Impaired kidney function reduces the body's ability to excrete excess fluids
or conserve water, leading to fluid retention or dehydration.
2. Heart Failure: Decreased heart function can cause fluid to accumulate in the body, especially in
the lungs (pulmonary edema) and legs, leading to fluid overload.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Disorders of hormones like aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone (ADH),
and renin can result in improper fluid regulation. For example, too much ADH can lead to fluid
retention, while too little can cause dehydration.
4. Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis can cause low protein levels, leading to fluid
accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and peripheral edema.
5. Electrolyte Imbalances: Sodium and potassium imbalances affect the body's ability to manage
fluids. High sodium (hypernatremia) can lead to dehydration, while low sodium (hyponatremia)
can cause fluid overload.
6. Severe Infections (Sepsis): Sepsis can cause capillaries to become more permeable, allowing
fluid to leak into tissues, leading to edema and intravascular dehydration.
7. Burns and Trauma: Major burns or injuries increase capillary permeability, leading to fluid loss
and dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms of Fluid Imbalance
1. Fluid Overload (Hypervolemia):
o Edema: Swelling in the legs, arms, or face due to excess fluid retention.
o Shortness of breath: Especially in cases of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
o High blood pressure: Excess fluid volume can increase pressure on blood vessels.
o Weight gain: Rapid, unexplained weight gain may indicate fluid accumulation.
o Jugular vein distention: Indicates increased central venous pressure.
2. Dehydration (Hypovolemia):
o Dry mouth and skin: Reduced moisture in tissues.
o Thirst: A natural response to decreased fluid levels.
o Low blood pressure: Especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
Downloaded by Nicholas Marks ()
Week 3 patho study guide
Pathophysiology (Chamberlain University)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Nicholas Marks ()
, lOMoARcPSD|17706574
NR 283 Week 3
Study guide
Pathophysiologic Factors That Affect Fluid Imbalance
Fluid imbalances occur when the body cannot maintain proper fluid levels, leading to either fluid
overload (too much fluid) or dehydration (too little fluid). Several factors can disrupt this balance:
1. Kidney Dysfunction: Impaired kidney function reduces the body's ability to excrete excess fluids
or conserve water, leading to fluid retention or dehydration.
2. Heart Failure: Decreased heart function can cause fluid to accumulate in the body, especially in
the lungs (pulmonary edema) and legs, leading to fluid overload.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Disorders of hormones like aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone (ADH),
and renin can result in improper fluid regulation. For example, too much ADH can lead to fluid
retention, while too little can cause dehydration.
4. Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis can cause low protein levels, leading to fluid
accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and peripheral edema.
5. Electrolyte Imbalances: Sodium and potassium imbalances affect the body's ability to manage
fluids. High sodium (hypernatremia) can lead to dehydration, while low sodium (hyponatremia)
can cause fluid overload.
6. Severe Infections (Sepsis): Sepsis can cause capillaries to become more permeable, allowing
fluid to leak into tissues, leading to edema and intravascular dehydration.
7. Burns and Trauma: Major burns or injuries increase capillary permeability, leading to fluid loss
and dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms of Fluid Imbalance
1. Fluid Overload (Hypervolemia):
o Edema: Swelling in the legs, arms, or face due to excess fluid retention.
o Shortness of breath: Especially in cases of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
o High blood pressure: Excess fluid volume can increase pressure on blood vessels.
o Weight gain: Rapid, unexplained weight gain may indicate fluid accumulation.
o Jugular vein distention: Indicates increased central venous pressure.
2. Dehydration (Hypovolemia):
o Dry mouth and skin: Reduced moisture in tissues.
o Thirst: A natural response to decreased fluid levels.
o Low blood pressure: Especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
Downloaded by Nicholas Marks ()
