Electrolytes

Question 1

Sodium

Answer 1

Most plentiful
Major role in maintaining osmotic pressure and acid-base balance and in transmitting nerve impulses

Question 2

Hypoatremia

Answer 2

Reduced sodium

Question 3

Hyperatremia

Answer 3

Elevated sodium

Question 4

Potassium

Answer 4

Primarily found within cells
It is released into the blood when cells are damaged
Plays a major role in nerve conduction, muscle function, acid base balance and osmotic pressure
Influences cardiac output by helping to control the rate and force of heart contraction

Question 5

Hypokalemia

Answer 5

Decreased blood potassium
When correcting, chloride must also be increased

Question 6

Hyperkalemia

Answer 6

Increased blood potassium

Question 7

Chloride

Answer 7

Exists mainly in the extracellular spaces in the form of NaCl
Responsible for maintaining cellular integrity by influencing osmotic pressure and both acids-base and water balance

Question 8

Bicarbonate ion

Answer 8

Plays a role in transporting carbon dioxide to the lungs and in regulating blood pH

Question 9

Hypoventilation

Answer 9

Results in higher CO2 levels and production of more H+ ions and can lead to acidosis

Question 10

Hyperventilation

Answer 10

Decreases CO2 levels and can lead to alkalosis

Question 11

Ionized calcium

Answer 11

45 percent of the calcium within the blood
Only ionized calcium can be used by the body for such critical functions as muscular contractions, cardiac function, transmission of nerve impulses and blood clotting