Electrolytes

Question 1

what is the normal range of Sodium (Na+)?

Answer 1

Normal range is 135-145mmol

Question 2

What does sodium do for our body?

Answer 2

it is essential for:

• nerve impulse transmission
• muscle contraction
• movement of glucose, insulin and amino acids

Question 3

what type of electrolyte is Sodium?

Answer 3

It is a major extracellular electrolyte. Its osmotic properties assist with maintaining fluid volume.

Question 4

what can a sodium imbalance cause?

Answer 4

it can cause an imbalance of of body water which can result in the Hyponatremia and hypernatremia

Question 5

What is the normal balance of potassium (K+)?

Answer 5

Normal level is 3.5-5.2 mmol

Question 6

what is potassium’s role in the body?

Answer 6

• it is a primary intracellular electrolyte
• plays a role in acid/base balance
• influences neuromuscular transmission of nerve impulses

Question 7

what are the effect potassium (K+) can have on the body?

Answer 7

disturbances of Potassium levels are life threatening

-affects cardiac muscle contractility

Question 8

what type of electrolyte is Magnesium (Mg)?

Answer 8

it is primarily intracellular electrolyte

Question 9

what role does Magnesium play for the body?

Answer 9

• Neuromuscular transmission
• ensures the transport of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane
• other intracellular electrolytes such as potassium and calcium are effected by the level of magnesium