Question

Please write 1 paragraph for each of the following (total 3 paragraphs) and each paragraph shall be no less than 3 sentences and no more than 6 sentences.

Grading for participation in postings (Possible points: 2.5)

 

Choose one of the hormonal fluid regulators in the body and give an overview of how it works.

Discuss how the lungs or the kidneys compensate for acid-base imbalance. Give numbers.

Why is the nurse’s role critical in infusion therapy? Choose one type of infusion of interest.

Answer 1

1. Aldosterone is one of the hormone which regulates fluid and electrolyte in the body . Its action :-

-aldosterone enters cells by simple diffusion.

-In the target cells, aldosterone combines with a cytoplasmic receptor. The hormone-receptor complex moves in to the nucleus and binds to DNA, initiating the synthesis of new protein channels and Na+/K+-ATPase pumps

-the new protein must be inserted into the cell membrane before their effect can be noticed

-the entire process takes 1-2 hours, a slow response for a hormone that is to increase ECF volume.

-in the distal nephron, Na+ and water reabsorption are separately regulated. Water does not automatically follow Na+ reabsorption: ADH must be present.

-In contrast, in the proximal tubule, Na+ reabsorption is automatically followed by water reabsorption because the proximal tubule epithelium is always freely permeable to water.

2. Lungs excrete carbonic acid only . It cannot excrete non-volatile metabolic acids.

Lungs convert carbonic acid (H2CO3) into CO2 & H2O. (volatile acids)

When there is a non-volatile acid imbalance, lungs compensate for the kidneys within minutes (takes several hours to be effective).

Acid excess: increase hyperventilation, increase CO2 excretion, decreases carbonic acid in blood, brings up the pH & decreases the PaCO2.

Acid deficit: hypoventilation decreases CO2 excretion, increases carbonic acid in blood, and brings down the pH, brings up the PaCO2.

3. Nurses are the one who prepares the medications and infusions for the patient based on the prescribed order by the physician . It's a very critical role for the nurses because any increase in or decrease in the medication can cause very critical complications to the patients. For example a patient is getting IV heparin infusion to prevent coagulation . The next day the patient is planned for surgery and according to the guidelines any anticoagulant should be stopped a day before any procedure to avoid bleeding . But the nurse haven't stopped it and it lead to severe bleeding during the procedure .