Electrolytes

Front 1

What is the definition of an electrolyte?

Back 1

A substance that becomes an ion when dissolved and has the ability to conduct electricity.

Hint 1

What are the physical properties of an electrolyte?

Front 2

Why is it essential that there be a balance of electrolytes in the body?

Back 2

In order to allow normal function of cells, tissues and organs.

Front 3

The major extracellular cation is:

Back 3

Na+

Hint 3

Highest ion concentration in the ECF.

Front 4

Excess Na+ in the blood is excreted in the:

Back 4

Urine (by the kidneys).

Front 5

Which extracellular cation plays an important role in regulating acid-base balance?

Back 5

Na+

Hint 5

It binds to HCO3-

Front 6

Which extracellular cation is mainly responsible for maintaining fluid distribution in the body?

Back 6

Na+

Hint 6

Major electrolyte of ECF.

Front 7

An increased level of Na+ in the ECF is termed:

Back 7

Hypernatremia

Front 8

An increase in Na+ will do what to the osmolarity of the ECF?

Back 8

Increase

Hint 8

Osmolarity is determined by the number of osmotically active particles.

Front 9

An increase in ECF osmolarity reflects an imbalance between Na+ and _________ concentration.

Back 9

Water

Front 10

When the osmolarity of the ECF increases, water will shift to restore isotonicty. Where does the water come from

Back 10

ICF

Hint 10

It's where most of the body's water is contained.

Front 11

Cells that lose water due to osmotic imbalance appear shrunken, or to use the medical term:

Back 11

Crenated

Front 12

When the plasma is hypernatremic, production of the hormone ____________ is suppressed, resulting in greater renal excretion of Na+.

Back 12

aldosterone

Hint 12

The hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex.

Front 13

In a hypernatremia with high osmotic pressure, the hormone ____________ is released to increase water reabsorption from the kidney.

Back 13

anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

Hint 13

The hormone is released from the pituitary gland.

Front 14

What conditions lead to dehydration and probable hypernatremia?

Back 14

Inadequate water intake, Vomitting, diarrhea, nasogastric suctioning, fever, tachypnea, diabetes insipidus.

Front 15

What is the normal range of Na+ in the ECF?

Back 15

136-145 mEq/L

Front 16

What is the body's response to hyponatremia?

Back 16

Increased aldosterone release and decreased ADH release.

Hint 16

How does the body increase Na+ reabsorption and decrease water reabsorption?

Front 17

What conditions cause decreased plasma Na+?

Back 17

Diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged use of diuretics, chronic renal disease, Addison's disease.

Front 18

Infusion of large amounts of which IV solution can result in hypernatremia?

Back 18

Na+/Cl- Isotonic normal saline

Front 19

What is the normal range of serum chloride?

Back 19

97-108 mEq/L

Front 20

Which extracellular anion is found in the highest concentration in the ECF?

Back 20

Cl-

Front 21

Which two extracellular ions are important in the regulation of osmotic pressure and water distribution?

Back 21

Na+ and Cl-

Hint 21

Which two ions are found in the highest contration in the ECF?

Front 22

What are the routes of chloride excretion in the body?

Back 22

Urine, feces, and sweat.

Front 23

In the renal tubules, chloride is excreted in exchange for which extracellular anion?

Back 23

HCO3-

Front 24

Chloride and ________ are often exchanged across cell memebranes in order to preserve elctrical neutrality.

Back 24

HCO3-

Hint 24

Exchanged for another extracellular anion.

Front 25

When Cl- concentrations change independently of Na+ concentration, the situation is usually an:

Back 25

acid-base imbalance

Front 26

Serum Cl- is decreased in which conditions?

Back 26

Respiratory acidosis, restricted salt intake, vomiting, diarrhea, nasogastric suctioning, excessive use of diuretics, Addison's disease.

Front 27

What is the normal plasma range for potasium?

Back 27

3.5-5.3 mEq/L

Front 28

What is the major intracellular cation?

Back 28

K+

Hint 28

It's not Na+

Front 29

Which electrolyte has role in maintaining excitability in both nerve and muscle tissue?

Back 29

K+

Front 30

What is the effect on the membrane potential and excitability if the ECF concentration of K+ is raised?

Back 30

Membrane potential is decreased. Excitability is increased.

Hint 30

Raising the ECF concentration of K+ narrows the gradient between intracellular and extracellular fluid.

Front 31

How do the kidneys respond to high K+ levels in the ECF?

Back 31

They decreased absorption and increase excretion of K+

Front 32

What hormone is released when K+ levels are elevated?

Back 32

aldosterone

Hint 32

The hormone results in an exchange of Na+ and K+ in the kidneys.

Front 33

In what conditions are extracellular K+ levels increased?

Back 33

Renal failure, chronic adrenal insufficiency, severe burns, excess administration of potassium, following strenuous exercise, renal tubular defect, use of aldosterone antagonist diuretics,

Hint 33

What things interfere with K+ excretion?

Front 34

What conditions cause hypokalemia?

Back 34

Diarrhea, vomiting, nasogastric suction, anorexia, diuresis, insulin administration, stress response, dietary insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism