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Introduction to Nursing Care: Complex Fluid Balance Alterations Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are among the most encountered problems in critically ill clients and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Disorders such as severe burns, trauma, sepsis, kidney disease, and heart failure potentially disrupt the finely balanced mechanisms that control fluid and electrolyte balance. Supporting treatments, such as mechanical ventilation and medications, may also affect fluid balance. Monitoring and careful management of electrolytes and fluid balance are integral parts of assessing and caring for a critically ill client.
Kidneys are the primary organ responsible for the absorption, distribution, and excretion of water and its particles. Electrolyte homeostasis is regulated by the kidney and its response to hormones such as aldosterone, anti-diuretic hormone, and natriuretic peptides which work specifically on the renal tubules.
Aldosterone promotes sodium retention while increasing urinary loss of potassium. Severe hypotension and hypovolemia trigger the release of aldosterone.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) triggers the renal tubules to reabsorb water and return it to the intravascular space. Hypovolemia and increased blood osmolarity cause ADH to be released. Conditions such as diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) affect the release of this hormone.
Natriuretic peptides (atrial natriuretic peptide) are released from the heart in response to chamber stretching and overfilling. Increased renal excretion of sodium, water, and increased glomerular filtration rate occur in response to natriuretic peptide release. RENAL FUNCTION Optimal kidney function is essential to maintain homeostasis. It is essential to assess kidney function in clients with fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Important laboratory tests that reflect kidney function include:
Noninvasive Blood pressure cuff Capnography Pulse oximeter EKG Invasive Catheter attached to monitoring system that has transducer to display electrical signals as the blood flows through the catheter. *Monitor for cues of worsening condition – oxygenation & fluid. Will use chest xray to confirm placement PRINCIPLES OF INVASIVE PRESSURE MONITORING Reference and zeroed Landmark: Phlebostatic axis Open stopcock Zeroing:
Proper placement of pressure monitoring equipment is essential to obtaining accurate readings. Before the equipment is used, it must be referenced and zeroed.
Electrolytes Signs of bleeding Infection Fluid overload may require the use of extracorporeal therapies, such as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), to manage hemodynamic instability and multiple organ dysfunction in critically ill clients. CRRT provides a slow, continuous form of fluid removal, resulting in greater hemodynamic stability and improved fluid balance control CRRT is used as an emergency treatment for clients with fluid overload, blood toxins, symptomatic uremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic or hemodynamic instability. It is contraindicated in clients with severe hyperkalemia or pericarditis that need rapid treatment. Before using continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), consideration of available resources, nursing expertise, and client hemodynamic stability must be reviewed. Nursing care during CRRT includes:
Distributive shock – excessive dilation of venules/arterioles, anaphylactic, septic, neurogenic
function and organ failure. Any condition that compromises oxygen delivery to organs and tissues can lead to shock. There are four main categories:
cardiac cause. Dobutamine increases contractility, allowing the heart to pump more effectively.
will not resolve the problem.
the main goals.
Initial stage of shock there is no visible change in physiologic parameters because changes are occurring at the cellular level. Oxygen is shunted to vital organs. The heart rate may be slightly elevated. Compensatory stage the body is attempting to increase cardiac output to restore tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The client exhibits narrowed pulse pressure, hypotension, tachycardia, restlessness, and apprehension as acidosis develops. (BODY TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM) Progressive stage as compensatory mechanisms to begin to fail the client experiences severe oliguria and declining level of consciousness. Tissues and organs become hypoxic. The pulse becomes weak and thready. (BODY FAILING AT FIXING THE PROBLEM)
AIRWAY – EPINEPHRINE - FLUIDS
Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction to an exogenous agent. The reaction quickly leads to massive vasodilation, the release of vasoactive mediators, and an increase in capillary permeability. Fluid leaks from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in relative hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output. Laryngeal edema and severe bronchospasm cause respiratory distress. Classic symptoms include tachycardia, dyspnea, dizziness, chest pain, swelling of lips and tongue, wheezing, and stridor. The skin appears flushed with pruritus and urticaria. Lack of oxygen leads to confusion and anxiety. If the cascade is not stopped quickly, shock results. Anaphylactic Shock The hallmark of anaphylactic shock is the sudden onset of respiratory distress. The client may have a history of allergies. Anaphylactic Shock
Low blood pressure Pale, cool extremities – later Difficulty breathing Decreased urine output Mental confusion O2, IV FLUIDS, ANTIBIOTICS Septic Shock Septic shock is an inflammatory response that overwhelms the immune system and results in profound circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities with an increased mortality rate. Most often, gram-positive or negative bacteria lead to sepsis, which can result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). As the body becomes overwhelmed, septic shock develops. Classic signs are tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension, despite fluid resuscitation. Blood volume is adequate but misplaced. Vasodilation occurs, capillary permeability increases, and fluid moves to the interstitial space, resulting in relative hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output. Respiratory failure is common. Hyperventilation is a compensatory mechanism, causing respiratory alkalosis. Once the client can no longer compensate, respiratory acids develop quickly, leading to respiratory failure. Temperature may be low or high. The skin will initially be warm and flushed, and then later cool and mottled. Septic Shock
intensive treatment to prevent chronic kidney failure. If recognized and treated early, AKI is reversible. This discussion about AKI requires an understanding of kidney anatomy and basic renal function. Prerenal AKI occurs before the kidney is reached. Examples include renal vein/artery stenosis and hypotension (volume depletion, decreased cardiac output). Intrarenal AKI occurs inside the kidney. Examples include overuse of non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), direct damage from trauma, nephrotoxins, or glomerulonephritis. Postrenal AKI occurs after the kidney. Examples include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), renal stones, and spinal cord injury. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can range from slight deterioration in function to severe impairment and is characterized by a rapid loss of kidney function. Loss of function is accompanied by:
Impaired kidneys cannot excrete hydrogen ions. Serum bicarbonate decreases from defective reabsorption and regeneration. Serum bicarbonate is depleted through buffering of acidic hydrogen ions, and the client develops metabolic acidosis. In severe acidosis, Kussmaul respirations occur to compensate by increasing CO 2 exhalation. Sodium Balance Damaged tubules cannot conserve sodium. Urinary sodium loss increases, resulting in hyponatremia. Uncontrolled hyponatremia or fluid overload can lead to cerebral edema. Potassium Excess In AKI, serum potassium levels rise because of the kidney’s inability to excrete potassium. Tissue trauma, hemorrhage, and metabolic acidosis further increase serum potassium levels. Emergency treatment is needed for hyperkalemia to avoid cardiac dysrhythmias. Hematologic Disorders AKI may cause leukocytosis. The most common cause of death in AKI is infection, typically of the urinary or respiratory system. Neurologic Disorders As nitrogen waste products accumulate in the brain, neurologic changes may occur such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, and progress to seizures and coma. PHASES OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY Oliguric – little urine Diuretic – lots of urine Recovery – GFR increases & BUN/Creatinine decrease) Clinically, AKI progresses through three phases: oliguric, diuretic, and recovery. If the client does not recover from AKI, chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops. Click on each tab to learn more about the three phases of AKI. Oliguria Oliguria, a reduction in urine output of less than 400 mL/day, occurs within the first 1 to 7 days after injury. If the cause is ischemia, oliguria onset begins
Normal finding: Bruit = continuous whooshing sound Abnormal findings: No bruit → possible clot or blockage (EMERGENCY) High-pitched bruit → possible stenosis Intermittent bruit → decreased blood flow
3. FEEL (Palpation) Lightly palpate using fingertips. Normal finding: Thrill = vibration or buzzing sensation Abnormal findings: No thrill → fistula may be occluded (EMERGENCY) Weak thrill → decreased blood flow Strong bounding pulse → possible stenosis 4. Assess Circulation Distal to Fistula Check: Capillary refill Skin temperature Color Pulse distal to fistula Sensation and movement Abnormal signs: Cold hand Pale hand Numbness Tingling May indicate steal syndrome