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Intracellular Fluid Essay

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Intracellular fluid (ICF) is liquid found inside the cell (separated into compartments by membranes) and extracellular fluid (ECF) is all of the body fluid outside of the cell. ECF contains interstitial fluid (found in the lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, glomerular filtrate of the kidneys) and plasma (found in the circulatory system). “Sodium accounts for 90% of the ECF cations (positively charged ions) and regulates osmotic forces, therefore, regulates water balance”(McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 108). Regulation of sodium balance is facilitated by aldosterone, which is triggered by the renin-angiotensin mechanism. “Potassium is the major intracellular electrolyte found in most body fluids and is maintained by renal excretion of K+ absorbed from …show more content…

How would you determine whether she has cystitis or pyelonephritis?

a. Differentiate between cystitis and pyelonephritis. Consider history, possible presenting symptoms, and urinalysis results.
Cystitis is “inflammation of the bladder (lower urinary tract) and is the most common site of UTI”(McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 1350). E. coli is the most common pathogen of UTI’s and occurs more common in women due to the shorter urethra and the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anus. The patient can be asymptomatic or experience urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort. The presence of white cells in the urinalysis is indicative of infection and the urine culture can identify the bacteria.
Pyelonephritis is a “type of urinary tract infection that affects one or both kidneys (upper urinary tract)”("Pyelonephritis," 2012, p. 1). Bacteria (commonly caused by E. coli.) enters from the lower urinary tract and can lead to renal scarring. Symptoms of pyelonephritis may include a fever with pain in the lower back or abdominal area. Hematuria and vomiting can also occur. Diagnosis includes blood test and urinalysis with culture, but may involve imaging studies to detect renal abnormalities or

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