GENERAL LAB VALUES-ELECTROLYTES IN HUMAN BODY-LESSON 138
Electrolyte Values: SODIUM - Sodium is the most abundant cation in the blood and its chief base. It functions in the body to maintain osmotic pressure, acid-base balance and to transmit nerve impulses. Very Low value: seizure and Neurologic Sx. Normal Adult Range: 135-146 mEq/L Optimal Adult Reading: 140.5 POTASSIUM - Potassium is the major intracellular cation. Very low value: Cardiac arythemia. Normal Range: 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L Optimal Adult Reading: 4.5 CHLORIDE - Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. Decreased levels with decreased serum albumin may indicate water deficiency crossing the cell membrane (edema). Normal Adult Range: 95-112 mEq/L Optimal Adult Reading: 103 CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - The CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs and is part of the bodies buffering system. Generally when used with the other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidosis