Medical Diagnosis Exams

Electrolytes are involved in most major metabolic functions in the body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are amongst the most important physiological ions and the most often assayed electrolytes.

They are supplied primarily through the diet, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and excreted by the kidneys. Sodium is the major extracellular cation and functions to maintain fluid distribution and osmotic pressure.

Some causes of decreased levels of sodium include prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, diminished reabsorption in the kidney and excessive fluid retention. Common causes of increased sodium include excessive fluid loss, high salt intake, and increased kidney reabsorption.