Functions of Electrolytes

Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L

Regulates volume of body fluids
Primary regulator of ECF
Maintains acid-base balance
Nerve impulse transmission

Potassium: 2.5-5 mEq/L

Chief regulator of cellular activity & cardiac function
Assists in regulation of acid-base balance by cellular exchange w/H+
Resting membrane potential
Transmission of nerve impulses
Cell excitability
Cardiac conduction
Skeletal and smooth muscle contraction

Calcium: 8.5 – 10.5mg/dL

Nerve impulse transmission & blood clotting
Catalyst for muscle contraction
Hormone secretion
Bones & teeth
Cell membrane integrity
Cardiac conduction
Reduces permeability to sodium
Blood clotting

Magnesium: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L

Metabolism of carbs & proteins
Protein & DNA, RNA transcription, translation
Enzyme activity
Neurochemical activities
Cardiac and skeletal muscle excitability

Chloride: 95-105 mEq/L

Production of HCL in gastric cells
Acts w/sodium to maintain osmotic pressure of blood
Imprtant in buffering system, activated by exchange of O2 & CO2 between body tissues & RBC

Bicarbonate HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L

In conjunction with carbonic acid, bicarbonate is a major chemical base buffer essential to acid-base
balance

Phosphate: 2.8-4.5 mg/dL

Buffer anion in ICF; plays a part in many chemical reactions
Necessary for many B vitamins to be effective & plays a role in carb, fat, protein metabolism
Essential for cell energy + calcium balance
Cell division & transmission of hereditary traits
Works with calcium to help develop/maintain bones & teeth