![]() ![]() ![]() An example of this process is fluid and waste filtration through the glomerular capillaries in the kidneys. , See Figure 15.2 for an illustration of hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure in a capillary.įiltration occurs when hydrostatic pressure pushes fluids and solutes through a permeable membrane so they can be excreted. On the venous end of the capillary, hydrostatic pressure is reduced, which allows oncotic pressure to pull fluids and solutes back into the capillary. Hydrostatic pressure opposes oncotic pressure at the arterial end of capillaries, where it pushes fluid and solutes out into the interstitial compartment. In the intravascular fluid compartment, hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by blood against the capillaries. Hydrostatic pressureis defined as pressure that a contained fluid exerts on what is confining it. For example, patients with decreased protein levels (i.e., low serum albumin) experience edema due to the leakage of intravascular fluid into interstitial areas because of decreased oncotic pressure. Protein content of the blood (in the form of albumin) causes oncotic pressure that holds water inside the vascular compartment. Intact vascular tissue lining prevents fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels. Proper fluid movement depends on intact and properly functioning vascular tissue lining, normal levels of protein content within the blood, and adequate hydrostatic pressures inside the blood vessels. Fluid Movementįluid movement occurs inside the body due to osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and osmosis. The remaining extracellular fluid, also called transcellular fluid, refers to fluid in areas such as cerebrospinal, synovial, intrapleural, and gastrointestinal system. For example, if you have ever cared for a patient with heart failure and noticed increased swelling in the feet and ankles, you have seen an example of excess interstitial fluid referred to as edema. This can result in hypovolemic shock and cellular death when critical organs do not receive an oxygen-rich blood supply needed to perform cellular function.Ī second type of extracellular fluid is interstitial fluidthat refers to fluid outside of blood vessels and between the cells. If intravascular fluid loss is severe, the body cannot maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion of vital organs. Intravascular fluidloss can be caused by several factors, such as excessive diuretic use, severe bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, and inadequate oral fluid intake. Loss of intravascular fluids causes the nursing diagnosis Deficient Fluid Volume, also referred to as hypovolemia. ![]() Intravascular fluid is the most important component of the body’s overall fluid balance. Intravascular fluid is whole blood volume and also includes red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The first type is known as intravascular fluid that is found in the vascular system that consists of arteries, veins, and capillary networks. The body regulates sodium levels to control the movement of water into and out of the extracellular space due to osmosis.Įxtracellular fluids can be further broken down into various types. The most abundant electrolyte in extracellular fluid is sodium. In fact, intracellular fluid accounts for 60% of the volume of body fluids and 40% of a person’s total body weight! Įxtracellular fluids (ECF) are fluids found outside of cells. Intracellular fluids are crucial to the body’s functioning. The most abundant electrolyte in intracellular fluid is potassium. Intracellular fluids (ICF) are found inside cells and are made up of protein, water, electrolytes, and solutes. See Figure 15.1 for an illustration of intracellular and extracellular compartments.įigure 15.1 Intracellular and Extracellular Compartments Body fluids are found in two main areas of the body called intracellular and extracellular compartments. Body Fluidsīody fluids consist of water, electrolytes, blood plasma and component cells, proteins, and other soluble particles called solutes. A slight change in either direction can have significant consequences on various body systems. The body is in a constant state of change as fluids and electrolytes are shifted in and out of cells within the body in an attempt to maintain a nearly perfect balance. 15.2 Basic Fluid and Electrolyte Conceptsīefore learning about how to care for patients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, it is important to understand the physiological processes of the body’s regulatory mechanisms. ![]()
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