Author: Glossary

  • Fluid retention

    Failure to eliminate fluid from the body because of renal, cardiac, or metabolic disease, or combinations of these disorders. Excess dietary salt can contribute to fluid retention. A low-sodium diet is a helpful adjunct to treatment. The advisability of using diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and/or other drug therapies depends on the functional state of the…

  • Fluid replacement

    Administration of fluids by any route to correct fluid and electrolyte deficits. The deficit may be physiological, as in dehydration due to perspiring in a hot, dry climate during hard physical labor or sports, or due to inadequate intake of fluids. It may be pathological, as in traumatic or septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome,…

  • Fluidram

    An apothecaries measure of fluid volume, equal to 3.697 ml.    

  • Fluidounce

    An apothecaries’ measure of fluid volume, equal to 8 fluidrams or 29.57 ml.  

  • Fluidotherapy

    The application of warmed cellulose particles suspended in forced dry air to heat an injured or painful body part, especially prior to muscle strengthening or range-of-motion exercises,  

  • Fluidized therapy

    The use of small solid particles suspended within moving air to treat pain or prevent or treat pressure sores.  

  • Serous fluid

    Fluid secreted by serous membranes that reduces friction in the serous cavities (pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal).  

  • Intraocular fluid

    Fluid within the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.  

  • Gingival sulcular fluid

    In dentistry, the fluid that seeps through the gingival epithelium. It increases with gingival inflammation. Cellular elements within GSF include bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells, and leukocytes. Electrolytes and some organic compounds are also present.  

  • Extravascular fluid

    All the body fluids outside the blood vessels. They include tissue fluid, fluids within the serous and synovial cavities, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymph.