Blood Chemistry: Electrolytes Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are Electrolyte Tests?
evaluate different electrolytes values to determine proper fluid therapy
Why can’t you use a PTT for calcium tests?
EDTA binds with Ca, therefore must be a serum test
What is Calcium important for maintaining?
neuromuscular excitability and tone
What happens when calcium levels are low?
muscle tetany
Calcium levels are related to phosphorous levels. As calcium levels increase, phosphorous levels ____.
decrease
What is Inorganic Phosphorous used for? (2)
- carbohydrate metabolism
2. energy storage
Blood cells are organic/inorganic?
organic
Plasma/Serum is organic/inorganic and can be ____.
- inorganic
2. measured
What are Sodium’s major roles? (3)
- distribution of water
- maintenance of osmotic pressure
- pH regulation of urine
What is Potassium used for? (3)
- muscular functions
- respiration
- cardiac functions
What is hyperkalemia also known as?
acidosis
What can cause acidosis? (2)
- increased acids
2. loss of bicarbonate
What can cause increased acids in the body? (2)
- diabetic acidosis
2. waste products
What can cause a loss of bicarbonate?
renal disease
What happens to pH when Hydrogen ions increase?
it decreases
What can increase hyperkalemia?
cellular necrosis
What is hypokalemia also known as?
alkalosis
What causes hypokalemia?
due to excess fluid loss such as vomiting or diarrhea
What is magnesium used for?
activates enzyme systems
What is magnesium important to? (2)
- acetylcholine
2. electrical impulse transfer from synapse to synapse
What does an imbalance of calcium and magnesium cause?
muscle tetany
What animals show signs of muscle tetany? (2)
sheep and cattle
What is chloride used for? (2)
- water distribution
2. osmotic pressure
What is chloride related to? (2)
- sodium
2. bicarbonate
