Name a common laboratory test for assessing electrolyte balance.

Name a common laboratory test for assessing electrolyte balance.

• A. Complete blood count
• B. Serum electrolyte panel
• C. Liver function test
• D. Thyroid function test

Answer: (B)

The serum electrolyte panel is a common laboratory test specifically designed to assess the balance of key electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. These electrolytes are crucial for various physiological functions, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining acid-base balance. The serum electrolyte panel provides direct measurements of these ions in the blood and helps identify conditions related to electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. Its focused nature makes it the preferred choice when evaluating electrolyte status, as it directly informs about the patient's fluid and electrolyte management needs. The other tests mentioned, like the complete blood count, liver function test, and thyroid function test, serve different purposes and evaluate other aspects of health rather than specifically focusing on electrolyte balance. This differentiates the serum electrolyte panel as the most relevant test for this particular assessment.

The serum electrolyte panel is a common laboratory test specifically designed to assess the balance of key electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. These electrolytes are crucial for various physiological functions, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining acid-base balance.

The serum electrolyte panel provides direct measurements of these ions in the blood and helps identify conditions related to electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. Its focused nature makes it the preferred choice when evaluating electrolyte status, as it directly informs about the patient's fluid and electrolyte management needs.

The other tests mentioned, like the complete blood count, liver function test, and thyroid function test, serve different purposes and evaluate other aspects of health rather than specifically focusing on electrolyte balance. This differentiates the serum electrolyte panel as the most relevant test for this particular assessment.