Word parts
What it means
When the kidneys filter more of a substance than they can take back, such as glucose in uncontrolled diabetes, or a drug such as mannitol, the substance stays in the tubules and keeps water from being reabsorbed. The result is large amounts of urine, which can lead to dehydrationdee-hy-DRAY-shunA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.de- remove, lack ofhydr/o water-ation processFull entry and loss of electrolytes. Mannitol uses this effect on purpose to lower pressure in the brain.
For the nurse
Record intake and output closely, weigh the client daily and watch for dehydration and electrolyte changes, such as low potassium.
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
hyperglycemia
A blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
hyperosmolar
Having more dissolved particles per unit of fluid than normal, so the fluid pulls water toward itself.