Serum electrolytes

Question 1

Sodium

Answer 1

135-145 mEq/L (mmol/L)

Role: affects the amount of fluid in blood (blood volume) and around cells.

Question 2

Potassium

Answer 2

3.5-5.5 mEq/L (mmol/L)

Role: located inside cells; necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, and muscles

Question 3

Calcium

Answer 3

8.5 -10.9 mEq/L (mmol/L)

Role: formation of bone and teeth, muscle contraction, normal functioning of many enzymes, blood clotting, normal heart rhythm

Question 4

Magnesium

Answer 4

1.5- 2.5 mEq/L (mmol/L)

Role: necessary for the formation of bone and teeth and for normal nerve and muscle function.
- also metabolizes Calcium and K+

Question 5

Phosphorus

Answer 5

2.5- 4.5 mEq/L (mmol/L)

In the body, almost all phosphorus is combined with oxygen, forming phosphate

Role: necessary for the formation of bone and teeth
- used as a building block for several important substances, including those used by the cell for energy, cell membranes, and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).