Basic Clinical Chemistry Questions With Complete Solutions.

Proteins correct answer: Essential components of cells and body fluids. Some made by body, others acquired from diet. Provides information about state of hydration, nutrition and liver function, since most serum proteins are made in the liver. Electrolytes correct answer: sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) Affects hydration, acid-base balance and osmotic pressure as well as pH and heart and muscle contraction Levels differ depending on if inside vs. outside cells Important in transport of substances into and out of cells Calcium (mineral) correct answer: Used in coagulation and muscle contraction 99% is in skeleton and is not metabolically active Influenced by vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, estrogen and calcitonin Hypocalcemia correct answer: Causes tetany; occurs in hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, poor dietary absorption and kidney disease Hypercalcemia correct answer: Occurs in parathyroidism, bone malignancies, hormone disorders, excessive vitamin D, and acidosis; may cause kidney stones Phosphorus correct answer: 80% in bone and rest in energy compounds such as ATP Influenced by calcium and certain hormones Iron correct answer: Essential for hemoglobin Deficiency results in anemia; may be caused by lack of iron in diet, poor absorption, poor release of stored iron or loss due to bleeding Increased in hemolytic anemia, increased iron intake or blocked synthesis of iron-containing compounds, such as in lead poisoning Serum Creatinine (Kidney function test) correct answer: Best test for overall kidney function; not affected by diet or hormone levels Waste product of muscle metabolism Serum creatinine rises when kidney function is impaired