WGU, D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TERMINOLOGIES AND THEIR MEANING

WGU, D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
TERMINOLOGIES AND THEIR
MEANING


ICF
Intracellular fluid; 2/3 of bodily fluid.
ECF
Extracellular fluid; 1/3 of bodily fluid.
Diffusion
Solute movement from high to low concentration.
Osmosis
Fluid movement from low to high solute concentration.
Filtration
Movement from high to low hydrostatic pressure.
Osmolality
Osmotically active particles per kg of water.
Hypertonic
Osmolarity greater than 300 mOsm/L.
Hypotonic
Osmolarity less than 300 mOsm/L.
Isotonic
0.09% normal saline solution.
Interferons
Cytokines increasing anti-viral defenses in cells.
Hypervolemia
Fluid volume overload causing tissue swelling.
Edema

,Swelling due to excess fluid accumulation.
Causes of Hypervolemia
Increased hydrostatic pressure and volume.
Decreased colloid osmotic pressure
Low albumin leading to fluid retention.
Increased capillary permeability
Fluid leakage due to infection or burns.
Lymphatic obstruction
Fluid buildup from cancer or infection.
Fluid Volume Overload Symptoms
Weight gain, hypertension, and pitting edema.
Fluid Volume Deficit
Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating.
Diabetes Insipidus
Condition causing excessive urination and thirst.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetes complication leading to metabolic acidosis.
Diuretics
Medications promoting urine production.
Compensatory Mechanisms
Increased thirst and concentrated urine during deficit.
Signs of Hypovolemia
Weight loss, low BP, and tachycardia.
Sunken Eyes
Indication of dehydration or fluid loss.
Dry Skin
Sign of dehydration affecting skin moisture.
Increased Body Temperature
Elevated temperature indicating possible infection or
dehydration.
Lethargy

,State of fatigue or decreased alertness.
Increased Urine Output
Initial response to fluid imbalance.
Decreased Urine Output
Final stage of dehydration, indicating severe fluid loss.
Rapid, Deep Respirations
Compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
Decreased Bowel Motility
Reduced movement leading to constipation.
Hemoconcentration
Increased concentration of blood components due to fluid
loss.
Hypernatremia
Elevated sodium levels, risk for brain bleeding.
Urine Specific Gravity
Measure of urine concentration; increased in dehydration.
Fluid Imbalance
Disruption in normal fluid homeostasis.
Daily Urine Output
Normal range is 1-2 liters or 1 mL/Kg/Hr.
Minimum Urine Output
400-600 mL per 6 hours to excrete toxins.
Insensible Losses
Fluid loss through skin and lungs not easily measured.
Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System
Hormonal system regulating blood pressure and fluid
balance.
Angiotensin II
Causes vasoconstriction and sodium/water reabsorption.
Acid-Base Imbalance
Disturbance in the body's pH levels.

, Hypercapnia
Increased arterial CO2 concentration, > 45 mm Hg.
Anion Gap
Difference between measured cations and anions in
blood.
Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Genetic heart disease causing weakened cardiac muscle.
Anion Gap
Increased by consumption of measured anions.
Respiratory Acidosis
Condition with low, slow respiratory rate.
Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
Includes sleep apnea and CNS depressants.
Pneumonia
Thick mucus impairs gas exchange.
COPD
Chronic condition affecting gas exchange.
Symptoms of Respiratory Acidosis
Altered mental status, elevated PaCO2 and HCO3.
Compensation in Respiratory Acidosis
Kidneys excrete H+ and retain HCO3.
Respiratory Alkalosis
Condition with fast respiratory rate.
Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
Hyperventilation or panic attacks.
Symptoms of Respiratory Alkalosis
Low PaCO2 and low HCO3.
Compensation in Respiratory Alkalosis
Kidneys excrete less H+ and HCO3.
Metabolic Acidosis
Acidic condition from renal failure or diarrhea.