Electrolyte and Osmolality Normal Ranges and Significance of Abnormal Values

Electrolyte and Osmolality Normal Ranges and Significance of Abnormal Values

Sodium (Na+)

• Normal Range: 136-145 mEq/L (mmol/L)
• Elevated (Hypernatremia):
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney disease
  • Hypercortisolism
• Low (Hyponatremia):
  • Fluid overload
  • Liver disease
  • Adrenal insufficiency

Potassium (K+)

• Normal Range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mmol/L)
• Elevated (Hyperkalemia):
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney disease
  • Acidosis
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Crush injuries
• Low (Hypokalemia):
  • Fluid overload
  • Diuretic therapy
  • Alkalosis
  • Insulin administration
  • Hyperaldosteronism

Calcium (Ca2+)

• Normal Range: 9.0-10.5 mg/dL (2.25-2.62 mmol/L)
• Elevated (Hypercalcemia):
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hyperparathyroidism
• Low (Hypocalcemia):
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • Excessive intake of phosphorus

Chloride (Cl-)

• Normal Range: 98-106 mEq/L (mmol/L)
• Elevated (Hyperchloremia):
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Respiratory alkalosis
  • Hypercortisolism
• Low (Hypochloremia):
  • Fluid overload
  • Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Diuretic therapy

Magnesium (Mg2+)

• Normal Range: 1.3-2.1 mEq/L (0.65-1.05 mmol/L)
• Elevated (Hypermagnesemia):
  • Kidney disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Adrenal insufficiency
• Low (Hypomagnesemia):
  • Malnutrition
  • Alcoholism
  • Ketoacidosis

Osmolality

• Normal Range: 270-300 mOsm/L
• High:
  • Dehydration
  • Hypernatremia
  • Hyperglycemia
• Low:
  • Fluid overload
  • Hyponatremia
  • Hypoproteinemia
  • Malnutrition