Nelson Anderson: Lab Tests
NOTE: Remember that unnecessary laboratory testing wastes precious time and increases health costs for all of us!
Laboratory test results:
- Serum sodium 112 mEq/L (normal 135-145)
- Serum potassium 4.5 mEq/L (normal 3.5 -5.0 mEq/L)
- Serum osmolarity was in the 270 range (normal range 280-300 mOsm/Kg
- BUN/Creatinine levels indicated normal renal function
- The urine sodium was less than 25 (normal 40-220)
- The urine specific gravity was 1.003 (normal range 1.005-1.030)
- Urine appearance was clear and colorless
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Questions:
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- 1. Which electrolyte imbalance is causing Mr. Anderson's edema & nervous system depression?
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia
- Hyponatremia
- 2. What are two important functions of sodium in the human body?
- 3. How do low sodium levels cause Mr. Anderson's edema and nervous system depression?
- 4. Serum sodium concentration and serum osmolarity are normally maintained by mechanisms involving all of the following except?
- Water intake
- Antidiuretic hormone
- Renal handling of filtered sodium
- Aldosterone
- Adrenal medulla
- 5. Explain how each of the above mechanisms helps maintain sodium balance.
- 6. Mr. Anderson was diagnosed with hypotonic dehydration and hyponatremia. What treatments would you expect him to receive? What would you suggest Mr. Anderson do to prevent this from happening on his next cycling adventure?
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