Chap 11

Fluid compartments

Intracellular 60%

Contained within the cell body

About 25L

Veins, arteries, capillaries, heart, etc

Extracellular 33%

Most important area of homeostasis, area outside of cells

Divided into intravascular space and interstitial space

Extracellular fluid volume is about 15L

In-between the cells

Fluid Balance

Closely linked to/affected by electrolyte concentrations

Fluid intake

2.3-3L a day

Fluid loss

Minimum urine amount needed to excrete toxic waste products= 400-600

mL/day

Insensible water loss-through skin, lungs, stool. Usually 500 to 1L a day

This increases during a fever, tachypnea and extreme stress

Facts to remember

Any fluid imbalances that occur=continuous assessment of UOP

Urine output

Dehydrated pts, CHF, RF, Fluid volume deficient, and fluid volume overload

IV fluids, diuretics

Daily weights

1L of water weighs 2.2lb, equal to 1kg

Weight change of 1lb= fluid volume change of about 500 mL

Fluid volume deficit: Dehydration

Fluid intake/retention does not meet bodys fluid needs; results in fluid volume deficit

Assessment

Thread and increased pulse rate; decreased BP; lethargy; decreased UOP; dry

mucous membranes; constipation; thirst

Increased H&H (hemoconcentration), BUN, sodium, and urine specific gravity

Causes-vomiting, diarrhea, ileostomy, laxatives, burns, fever, diuretics, GI

suctioning, and NPO

Interview/risk factors

Inquire about recent dietary habits

Use of OTC diuretics

Outdoor activities

Weight gain and weight loss

Who at risk: hemorrhage, vomiting, diaherra, excessive sweating, NPO, sustained burn

wounds, GI suction, Diuretics, uncontrolled diabetes, Poor intake