Post test in Intro to Electrolytes, Sodium and Potassium

Most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid

• Sodium                     

• Potassium                   

• Bicarbonate           

• Chloride

Most abundant cation in the intracellular fluid

• Sodium                    

• Potassium                   

• Bicarbonate           

• Chloride

Valinomycin enhances the selectivity of the electrode used to quantitate:

• Sodium

• Chloride         

• Potassium

• Calcium

Best sample to be used for potassium determinations:

• Serum Sample

• EDTA-plasma

• Heparinized Plasma

• Sodium fluoride-plasma

Hypokalemia may be caused by each of the following EXCEPT:

• Acidosis

• Hyperaldosteronism

• Hypomagnesemia

• Prolonged vomiting

Hyperkalemia may be caused by each of the following, EXCEPT:

• Renal failure              

• Alkalosis

• Hypoaldosteronism

• None of the choices

A potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is obtained. Before reporting the results, the first step the technologist should take is to:

• Check the serum for hemolysis

• Rerun the test                                                   

• Check the age of the patient

• Do nothing, simply report out the result

Plasma potassium can alter ECG by:

• 2-4 mmol/L  

• 3-5 mmol/L

• 4-6 mmol/L

• 6-7 mmol/L

Which of the following conditions is associated with hypernatremia?

• Diabetes insipidus         

• Hypoaldosteronism          

• Burns                          

• Diarrhea

Which of the following values is the threshold critical value for high plasma sodium?

• 150 mmol/L

• 160 mmol/L

• 170 mmol/L

• 180 mmol/L