SIGNIFICANCE OF ELECTROLYTE

AHMED USMANTRAINEE TECHNOLOGISTAGA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Definition

Electrolyte are grouped which are charged ions.

The important physiologically active electrolyte are Sodium Potassium Chloride Bicarbonate.

Physiology of electrolytes

Sodium Functions

• Transmission and conduction of nerve impulses

• Responsible for osmolality of vascular fluids• Regulation of body fluid levels• Sodium shifts into cells and potassium shifts

out of the cells (sodium pump)• Assists with regulation of acid-base balance

by combining with Cl or HCO3 to regulate the balance

Chloride Functions

• Found in ECF• Changes the serum osmolality• Goes with Na in retention of water• Assists with regulation of acid-base

balance• Cl combines with hydrogen to form

hydrochloric acid in the stomach

Potassium function Potassium cation are important in neuron function.Potassium influencing osmotic balance between

cells and the interstitial fluid, with their distribution by the so-called Na+/K+-ATPase pump.

K+: essential for normal membrane excitability for nerve impulse Contraction of muscle

Promotes enzyme actionAssist in the maintenance of acid-base

Bicarbonate function Bicarbonate is alkaline and a vital component

of the pH buffering system of the human body (maintaining acid-bace homeostasis).

Normal ranges Potassium 3.5-5.1mmol/LChloride 101-112mmol/LSodium 136-145mmol/LBicarbonate 22-32mmol/L

Rules of Electrolyte Balance

1. Most common problems with electrolyte balance are

caused by imbalance between gains and losses of

sodium ions

2. Problems with potassium balance are less common,

but more dangerous than sodium imbalance

• Hyponatremia

Excessive sodium loss or H2O gain• CAUSES

– Prolonged diuretic therapy– Insufficient Na intake– vomiting– Administration of hypotonic fluids– Compulsive water drinking– alcoholism

Hypokalemia • Causes

– Prolonged diuretic therapy– Inadequate intake – vomiting– Excess insulin– Excess stress– Hepatic disease– Acute alcoholism

Hypernatremia • Occurs with excess loss of H2O or excessive

retention of Na• Can lead to death if not treated• Causes

– Vomiting/diarrhea– Inadequate ADH– Some drugs – Hypertonic fluids/tube feedings– Major burns

Hyperkalemia• Results form impaired renal function• Metabolic acidosis• Acts as myocardial depressant; decreased

heart rate, cardiac output• Muscle weakness• GI hyperactivity

Method of detection Photoelectric flame photometerIn principle, it is a controlled flame test with

the intensity of the flame quantified by photoelectrically. The sample is introduced to the flame at a constant rate. Filters select which colours the photometer detects and exclude the influence of other ions.

Ion selective electrode The sample is mixed with ISE providing

constant pH.As the buffered sample is moved through the ion selective electrode , changes in the electrical potential take place .The electrical potential changes are measured against the potential of a refrence electrode.