Third Spacing
Third Spacing
Third Spacing
Third-spacing:
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AARON GRAUBART
www.nursing2008.com
Phases of third-spacing
Third-spacing has two distinct
phasesloss and reabsorption.
In the loss phase, increased capillary
permeability leads to a loss of proteins
and fluids from the intravascular space
to the interstitial space. This phase
lasts 24 to 72 hours after the initial
insult that led to the increased capillary
permeability (for example, surgery,
trauma, burns, or sepsis). Fluid loss
from diarrhea, vomiting, or bleeding
can be measured, but fluid loss from
third-spacing isnt so easy to quantify.
Signs and symptoms include weight
gain, decreased urinary output, and
signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
During the reabsorption phase,
tissues begin to heal and fluid is
transported back into the
intravascular space. Signs of
hypovolemia resolve, urine
output increases,
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Arterial end
Venous end
Capillary
Obstructed
lymphatic vessel