Electrolytes in the Human Body

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Questions and Answers

Which electrolyte is responsible for the normal distribution of water between extracellular and intracellular compartments?

Potassium (K+)

Sodium (Na+) (correct)

Chloride (Cl-)

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

What is the primary function of bicarbonate (HCO3-)?

Regulating nerve impulses

Maintaining acid-base balance (correct)

Regulating water balance

Maintaining muscle contractions

Why is it essential to avoid hemolysis when collecting blood samples for potassium (K) testing?

Because potassium levels are lower in serum than in RBCs

Because potassium levels are higher in serum than in RBCs

Because potassium levels are not affected by hemolysis

Because the concentration of K in RBCs is about 20 times that in serum or plasma (correct)

What is the consequence of ↑ CO2 on the pH of the blood?

It decreases the pH of the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of calcium (Ca2+) in the body?

Not specified in the content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can contribute to elevated potassium (K) levels?

Recetrifugation of specimens in gel tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of chloride (Cl-) in the body?

Regulating water balance Signup and view all the answers

Why is renal function crucial for overall health?

It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of magnesium (Mg2+) in the body?

Not specified in the content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of electrolyte?

Lithium (Li+) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lipids in the body?

To act as structural and functional components of cell membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is used to diagnose myocardial injury?

Creatine Kinase Myoglobin (CK-MB) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of alkaline phosphatase (Alk phos) in the liver?

To catalyze the breakdown of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hormone precursor?

Cholesterol Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the liver?

To catalyze the breakdown of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is used to diagnose pancreatic disease?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of creatine kinase in the body?

To facilitate muscle contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of troponin?

It is a complex of 3 proteins found in cardiac muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myoglobin in the body?

To store and release oxygen as needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is used to diagnose liver disease?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total protein is made up of albumin?

2/3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormone tests is used to assess the levels of thyroid hormones?

TSH Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of gamma globulins in the immune system?

To produce antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is used to diagnose anemia?

Iron (FE) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)?

To manage patients on certain medications Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level of a drug taken before it is administered to a patient?

Trough level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is produced by the adrenal gland?

Cortisol Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of separating serum into different fractions?

Electrophoresis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following immunoglobulins is associated with autoimmune responses?

IgG Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level of a drug taken after it is administered to a patient?

Peak level Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential minerals or ions that carry an electrical charge and play critical roles in various physiological processes throughout the body.
The main electrolytes in the human body include:
- Sodium (Na+)
- Potassium (K+)
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Calcium (Ca2+)
- Magnesium (Mg2+)
- Phosphate (PO43-)
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
There are 4 common electrolytes that medical practitioners order:
- Sodium (Na) - responsible for normal distribution of water and transmission of nerve impulses
- Potassium (K) - functions in muscle contractions and conduction of nervous impulses
- Chloride (Cl) - functions to maintain water balance along with sodium
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-) - maintains the acid-base balance of the body

Renal Function

Renal function refers to the physiological processes carried out by the kidneys, which play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis within the body.
Tests used for renal function:
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Creatine Clearance (requires both 24-hour urine specimen and blood sample)

Lipids

Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that serve essential roles in cellular structure, energy storage, insulation, and signaling within the body.
Lipids play an important role in many metabolic processes, including:
- Hormone or hormone precursors
- Energy storage and metabolic fuel
- Structural and functional component in cell membrane
- Insulation to allow conduction of nerve impulses or heat loss
There is a correlation between lipids and atherosclerosis (which can lead to coronary heart disease)
Tests used for lipids:
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
- High density lipoprotein (HDL)

Cardiac Disease - Myocardial Injury

Cardiac disease, particularly myocardial injury, refers to damage or impairment to the heart muscle (myocardium) due to various pathological processes.
Myocardial injury can occur as a result of acute events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Today, there are 3 basic chemistry tests used to diagnose a myocardial infarction or injury:
- Myoglobin (MB)
- Troponins
- Creatine Kinase Myoglobin (CK-MB)

Liver Tests

Liver tests are a group of blood tests used to assess the health and function of the liver.
These tests provide valuable information about liver enzymes, proteins, and other markers that can indicate liver damage, inflammation, or dysfunction.
Tests used for liver function:
- Ammonia
- Bilirubin
- Alkaline phosphatase (Alk phos)
- Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
- Aspartate Transaminase (AST)
- Lactic Dehydrogenase (LD)

Pancreatic Testing

Pancreatic testing involves a range of laboratory tests and imaging studies used to evaluate the structure and function of the pancreas.
Tests used for pancreatic function:
- Lipase (LPS)
- Amylase
- Isoamylase

Hormones Tests

Hormones are chemical substances produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried to a distant target organ where a regulatory response is elicited.
Hormone tests are laboratory evaluations used to assess the levels of various hormones circulating in the bloodstream.
Examples of hormone tests:
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Cortisol
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Estradiol
- Testosterone
- Progesterone

Proteins

Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids.
The most prevalent type of protein is albumin (2/3 of the total protein).
The other types are in a class called globulins, which include:
- Alpha 1 globulins
- Alpha 2 globulins
- Beta globulins
- Gamma globulins (most are antibodies)
Gamma globulins are further divided into 5 groups:
- IgA - respiratory, gut, skin, renal infections
- IgD - chronic bacterial infections
- IgG - autoimmune responses
- IgE - asthma, allergic conditions
- IgM - viral infections, blood stream infections
Decreased immunoglobulins are seen in immunodeficiency diseases
Protein tests:
- Albumin
- Total Protein
- Protein Electrophoresis (separates serum into 5 fractions)

Other Tests

Other tests used to assess various physiological processes:
- Iron (FE) - test for anemia
- TIBC - for anemia
- Uric acid - a protein waste, increased in gout, kidney disease, liver disease, and hypertension
- Calcium
- Phosphate
- Lactic Acid
- All types of drugs

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Therapeutic drug monitoring is used to manage patients being treated with certain drugs in order to:
- Establish a drug dosage
- Adjust the dosage
- Identify non-compliant patients
- Maintain the dosage at a therapeutic level
- Avoid toxicity
There are 2 parts to TDM:
- Trough and Peak
Trough level is taken before the drug is given
Peak levels are usually taken:
1. 30 minutes after IV administration
2. 60 minutes after intramuscular injection
3. 2 hours after oral intake
Examples of drugs monitored:
- Digoxin
- Theophylline
- Vancomycin
- Phenytoin

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Description

Learn about the essential minerals and ions that carry an electrical charge and play critical roles in various physiological processes throughout the body.