Evaluating Clinical Lab Data – Electrolytes (Part 1)

46 fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering normal ranges, regulation, causes, effects, and management of electrolyte imbalances, plus anion gap concepts.

Most laboratory tests are performed on __ blood samples taken from a peripheral vein.

venous

Respiratory therapists may also evaluate blood chemistry, hematology, lipid panel, cardiac biomarkers, microbiology, and __ gases.

blood

The most abundant extracellular cation is __.

Sodium (Na⁺)

The normal plasma sodium range is __ mmol/L.

137–147

The hormone __ increases sodium reabsorption from urine.

aldosterone

Water follows the movement of __ in the body.

sodium

Excessive thirst and a dry sticky mouth are classic signs of __natremia.

hypo

Hyponatremia caused by SIADH involves inappropriate excess of the hormone __.

ADH

The major intracellular cation is __.

Potassium (K⁺)

The normal plasma potassium range is __ mmol/L.

3.5–4.8

__ facilitates movement of K⁺ into the cell.

Insulin

Acidosis causes serum potassium to __ as H⁺ ions move into cells.

increase

D10% with insulin is a treatment for __kalemia.

hyper

Loop diuretics like Lasix can lead to __kalemia.

hypo

The major extracellular anion involved in the chloride shift is __.

Chloride (Cl⁻)

The normal plasma chloride range is __ mmol/L.

98–105

During metabolic acidosis, serum bicarbonate decreases and chloride tends to __.

increase

Prolonged vomiting (loss of HCl) can cause __chloremia.

hypo

The second most common extracellular anion and key blood buffer is __.

bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

The normal plasma bicarbonate range is __ mEq/L.

22–26

Loss of HCO₃⁻ through diarrhea results in metabolic __.

acidosis

An increase in HCO₃⁻ from vomiting leads to metabolic __.

alkalosis

Approximately 45 % of serum calcium is in the __ (active) form.

free ionized

Hypocalcemia makes ventilator weaning __.

difficult

Marked hypercalcemia is often associated with __ disease or metastatic cancer.

bone

In the ICU, hypomagnesemia is linked with __ muscle weakness.

respiratory

The anion gap is calculated as AG = __ – (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻).

Na⁺

A normal anion gap ranges from __ mEq/L.

9–14

An anion gap above 14 mEq/L points to metabolic __.

acidosis

A reported K⁺ of 5.5 mmol/L in acidosis might correct to __ mmol/L at pH 7.40.

4.5

Extracellular fluid water balance is primarily controlled by __ concentration.

sodium

The Na⁺/K⁺ pump establishes the cell’s __ potential.

action

Bicarbonate administration can inadvertently cause __natremia.

hyper

SIADH produces hyponatremia through excessive retention of __.

water

Treatment of hyperchloremia due to metabolic acidosis may include administering __.

bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

The chloride shift is also called the __ phenomenon.

Hamburger

In the stomach, chloride combines with hydrogen to form __.

hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Aldosterone makes the kidneys retain sodium and excrete __.

potassium

The hormone that raises serum calcium by increasing bone resorption is __.

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Oral phosphate and calcitonin are treatments for __calcemia.

hyper

Fluid restriction and diuretics are management strategies for dilutional __natremia.

hypo

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major concern in both hyperkalemia and __calcemia.

hyper

Kussmaul’s breathing may be observed in patients with __chloremia.

hyper

Key electrolyte functions include enzymatic activity, fluid balance, mental status, and __ muscle function.

respiratory

A patient who is "dry," having lost water without salt, is likely to develop __natremia.

hyper

In acid-base balance, potassium acts as a __ together with bicarbonate.

buffer