Term
| Sodium (Na): 135-145 mEq/L |
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Definition
| helps regulate water balance in the body and is essential for proper nerve and muscle function. |
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Term
| Potassium (K): 3.5-5.0 mEq/L |
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Definition
| for heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. |
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Term
| Glucose: 60-100 mg/dL (fasting) |
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Definition
| primary source of energy for the body’s cells. Blood glucose levels are important for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Brain only uses glucose. |
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Term
| Calcium (Ca): 8.6-10.2 mg/dL (total) / 4.5-5.1 mg/dL (ionized) |
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Definition
| for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. |
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Term
| Magnesium (Mg): 1.3-2.3 mEq/L |
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Definition
| for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health. |
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Term
| Phosphorus (Phos): 2.5-4.5 mg/dL |
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Definition
| for bone health, energy production, and the formation of DNA and cell membranes. |
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Term
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 10-20 mg/dL |
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Definition
| measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea. It helps assess kidney function. |
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Term
| Creatinine (Cr): 0.7-1.4 mg/dL |
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Definition
| waste product from muscle metabolism. Used to evaluate kidney function. |
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Term
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Definition
| A high concentration of sodium in the blood. When osmotic pressure of the ECF is greater than that of the cells, ADH secretion is increased, causing renal retention of water. Due to dehydration or excessive salt intake. It can cause symptoms like thirst, confusion, and muscle twitching. |
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Term
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Definition
| A low concentration of sodium in the blood. When the osmotic pressure of the ECF is less than that of the cells, ADH secretion is decreased, causing renal excretion of water. Due to excessive water intake or conditions like heart failure. It can cause symptoms like headache, confusion, and seizures |
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Term
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Definition
| A high concentration of potassium in the blood. Due to kidney dysfunction or certain medications. It can cause symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats |
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Term
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Definition
| A low concentration of potassium in the blood. Due to excessive loss through vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretics. It can cause symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, and arrhythmias |
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