Fluids, Electrolytes, and Introduction to
Acid-Base Balance Chapter 29 with
Verified Solutions
What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?
✔✔ To help maintain fluid balance and facilitate nerve and muscle function
How do kidneys help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance?
✔✔ By filtering blood and adjusting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes
What is the normal range for sodium (Na+) levels in the blood?
✔✔ 135–145 mEq/L
What is the effect of dehydration on electrolyte levels?
✔✔ Dehydration can cause increased concentrations of electrolytes in the blood
What is an example of an extracellular fluid?
✔✔ Plasma
1
,How does the body compensate for metabolic acidosis?
✔✔ By increasing the respiratory rate to expel more carbon dioxide (CO2)
What is the role of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in maintaining acid-base balance?
✔✔ Bicarbonate acts as a buffer, neutralizing excess acids in the body
What are the consequences of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)?
✔✔ Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness
What is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid?
✔✔ Sodium (Na+)
What is the primary buffer system in the blood?
✔✔ The bicarbonate buffer system
How does the body respond to respiratory alkalosis?
✔✔ By retaining hydrogen ions and bicarbonate to lower pH
2
, What is the primary cause of hypokalemia (low potassium levels)?
✔✔ Excessive loss of potassium through urine, vomiting, or diarrhea
How does the body regulate pH in the blood?
✔✔ Through buffer systems, respiratory control of CO2, and renal control of bicarbonate
What is the normal range for potassium (K+) levels in the blood?
✔✔ 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
How does the intake of excess sodium affect the body?
✔✔ It can lead to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and edema
What is the role of chloride (Cl-) in maintaining fluid balance?
✔✔ Chloride helps maintain osmotic pressure and works closely with sodium
What is a common symptom of hyponatremia (low sodium levels)?
✔✔ Confusion, seizures, or muscle cramps
3
Acid-Base Balance Chapter 29 with
Verified Solutions
What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?
✔✔ To help maintain fluid balance and facilitate nerve and muscle function
How do kidneys help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance?
✔✔ By filtering blood and adjusting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes
What is the normal range for sodium (Na+) levels in the blood?
✔✔ 135–145 mEq/L
What is the effect of dehydration on electrolyte levels?
✔✔ Dehydration can cause increased concentrations of electrolytes in the blood
What is an example of an extracellular fluid?
✔✔ Plasma
1
,How does the body compensate for metabolic acidosis?
✔✔ By increasing the respiratory rate to expel more carbon dioxide (CO2)
What is the role of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in maintaining acid-base balance?
✔✔ Bicarbonate acts as a buffer, neutralizing excess acids in the body
What are the consequences of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)?
✔✔ Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness
What is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid?
✔✔ Sodium (Na+)
What is the primary buffer system in the blood?
✔✔ The bicarbonate buffer system
How does the body respond to respiratory alkalosis?
✔✔ By retaining hydrogen ions and bicarbonate to lower pH
2
, What is the primary cause of hypokalemia (low potassium levels)?
✔✔ Excessive loss of potassium through urine, vomiting, or diarrhea
How does the body regulate pH in the blood?
✔✔ Through buffer systems, respiratory control of CO2, and renal control of bicarbonate
What is the normal range for potassium (K+) levels in the blood?
✔✔ 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
How does the intake of excess sodium affect the body?
✔✔ It can lead to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and edema
What is the role of chloride (Cl-) in maintaining fluid balance?
✔✔ Chloride helps maintain osmotic pressure and works closely with sodium
What is a common symptom of hyponatremia (low sodium levels)?
✔✔ Confusion, seizures, or muscle cramps
3
