Question

2. Describe the two common fluid imbalances and describe each. a. Include the underlying causes, clinical manifestations b. What fluid imbalance Mr. Abdul is experiencing. Describe his signs and symptoms.

Answer 1

Ans) Fluids and Fluid Imbalances:

- Hypervolemia is an abnormal increase in the volume of fluid in the blood, particularly the blood plasma and hypovolemia is a deficit of bodily fluids.

- Hypervolemia, which is often referred to as fluid overload, can occur as the result of increased sodium in the body which is hypernatremia, excessive fluid supplementation that cannot be managed effectively by the body, and other disorders and diseases such as hepatic failure, renal failure and heart failure.

- The signs and symptoms of hypervolemia include hypertension, dyspnea, shortness of breath, adventitious breath sounds such as rales and crackles, abdominal ascites, bulging and distended jugular veins with pulsations, peripheral edema in hands, feet and/or ankles, tachycardia, and a bounding and strong pulse.

- In addition to treating the underlying cause whenever possible other treatments for hypervolemia include fluid and sodium restrictions and diuretics.

- Hypovolemia, on the other hand, is a deficit of bodily fluids. Hypovolemia can occur secondary to bleeding and hemorrhage, severe dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. This fluid deficit can lead to complications such as decreased cardiac output, hypovolemic shock, metabolic acidosis, multisystem failure, coma and death.

- Again, in addition to the treatment of an underlying disorder, some of the interventions for hypovolemia can include intravenous rehydration with fluids such as lactated Ringers, the placement of the client in the Trendelenburg position, and the administration of plasma expanders, blood and blood products as indicated by the nature of the client's status and the severity of the hypovolemia.