Cytology: Electrolytes Part I- Sample Handling

Phosphorus in serum is considered inorganic because it exists in its elemental form and does not contain any carbon atoms. Inorganic phosphorus plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as bone formation, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. It is primarily found as phosphate ions (PO4 3-) in the bloodstream and is essential for the proper functioning of cells and tissues in the body.

Potassium is classified as a major intracellular cation because it is predominantly found inside cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane potential, regulating fluid balance, and facilitating nerve and muscle cell function. Potassium is essential for proper cell functioning and is involved in various physiological processes. It is not considered a minor intracellular cation or a major extracellular anion. While potassium is abundant in bananas, this fact is not relevant to its classification as a major intracellular cation.

Cations are positively charged ions, meaning they have lost electrons and have a net positive charge. Anions, on the other hand, are negatively charged ions, meaning they have gained electrons and have a net negative charge. This is why cations are positively charged and anions are negatively charged.

Lithium heparanate

The normal blood pH in dogs and cats is 7.35 to 7.45. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a pH of 7 being neutral. The normal range for blood pH in dogs and cats is slightly alkaline, which helps maintain proper bodily functions. Any deviation from this range can indicate an underlying health issue and may require medical intervention.

Arterial blood is the number 1 choice for sampling bicarbonate because it provides the most accurate measurement of bicarbonate levels. Arterial blood is obtained directly from an artery, which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues. Bicarbonate is an important component of the body's acid-base balance and is involved in regulating pH levels. Arterial blood reflects the bicarbonate levels in the body more accurately than venous blood or hemolyzed, refrigerated samples, which may have altered bicarbonate levels due to various factors. Blood straight from the heart may also be fresh, but arterial blood is specifically preferred for bicarbonate sampling.

EDTA is a chelating agent that has a high affinity for calcium ions. When EDTA binds with calcium, it forms a stable complex that prevents calcium from participating in biological processes. This binding makes calcium unavailable for various physiological functions such as muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activation. Therefore, the correct answer is calcium.

80% of phosphorus is found in bones. The remaining 20% is involved in energy storage, release and transfer, carbohydrate metabolism, and the composition of nucleic acids/phospholipids.

A decrease in PCO2 levels can lead to alkalosis because PCO2 is an important component of the body's acid-base balance. When PCO2 levels decrease, it means that there is less carbon dioxide in the blood. Carbon dioxide is acidic in nature, so a decrease in its levels can cause the blood to become more alkaline. This shift towards alkalinity can disrupt the normal pH balance in the body, resulting in alkalosis. Therefore, the statement "Alkalosis may be caused by a decrease in PCO2 levels" is true.

Electrolytes are present in the fluid compartments, both inside and outside cells. Electrolytes are ions that carry an electric charge and are essential for various physiological processes in the body. They help maintain proper hydration, regulate pH levels, and facilitate nerve and muscle function. The fluid compartments refer to the extracellular fluid (outside cells) and intracellular fluid (inside cells), where electrolytes are distributed. Therefore, the correct answer is fluid, cells.

Cattle and sheep are known to exhibit signs related to magnesium deficiency, which implies that they are the only domestic animals that display such symptoms. This suggests that other domestic animals do not commonly experience magnesium deficiency or do not show noticeable signs when they do. Therefore, the statement is true.

Chloride is the predominant extracellular anion because it is found in higher concentrations outside the cells compared to other electrolytes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pH, and assisting in nerve and muscle function.

Using a hemolyzed sample for testing phosphorus can lead to a false increase in the results. Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells, which can release their contents into the sample. This can include intracellular phosphorus, leading to an elevated phosphorus level in the test results. However, this increase is not reflective of the true phosphorus level in the sample and can lead to inaccurate interpretations of the patient's condition.

Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, which can release potassium into the sample and lead to inaccurate potassium test results. Therefore, it is important to avoid hemolysis when handling a sample for potassium testing.

Sodium is a major cation of plasma and interstitial or extracellular fluid. Cations are positively charged ions, and sodium ions have a positive charge. In the context of plasma and interstitial fluid, sodium ions play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Therefore, the correct answer is cation.

The given statement suggests that a certain percentage of calcium is found in bones. Among the options provided, the highest percentage is 99%. This implies that almost all of the calcium in the body is present in bones, making it the correct answer.

In whole blood, calcium is almost entirely in serum or plasma. Serum is the liquid component of blood that remains after the blood has clotted, while plasma is the liquid component of blood that is obtained when anticoagulants are added to prevent clotting. Both serum and plasma contain calcium, which plays a crucial role in various physiological processes such as muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Therefore, it is accurate to say that calcium in whole blood is primarily found in serum or plasma.

1% of the body's calcium is involved in various important functions such as maintaining neuromuscular excitability and tone, regulating the activity of enzymes, facilitating blood coagulation, and maintaining the transfer of inorganic ions across cell membranes. This suggests that only a small amount of the total calcium in the body is responsible for these essential processes.

Inversely.

It increases PCO2, thus leading to acidosis.

Electrolytes play a crucial role in various bodily functions. They help maintain water balance by regulating the amount of water inside and outside of cells. Electrolytes also contribute to fluid osmotic pressure, which helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body. They are essential for normal muscular and nervous function, as they help transmit electrical signals in these systems. Additionally, electrolytes are involved in the maintenance and activation of enzyme systems, which are necessary for various biochemical reactions in the body. They also play a role in acid-base regulation, helping to maintain the pH balance in the body.

Hyperventilation is the process of breathing at an abnormally fast rate, which leads to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) in the blood. On the other hand, hypoventilation refers to breathing at a slower rate, resulting in an increase in PCO2 levels. Therefore, hyperventilation decreases PCO2, while hypoventilation increases PCO2.

Sodium and bicarbonate levels. (I think they're in a threesome or something)

Magnesium is a common cation, meaning it has a positive charge when it forms an ion. It is also found in all body tissues, playing a role in various physiological processes. Magnesium is involved in the production and decomposition of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for muscle contractions and other functions. An imbalance in the magnesium/calcium ratio can lead to muscle tetany, a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The statement about magnesium not existing in chocolate is false.

The three major mechanisms of blood pH maintenance are the buffer system, respiratory mechanisms that alter PCO2, and metabolic mechanisms that alter HCO3-. The buffer system helps to regulate pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH level. Respiratory mechanisms that alter PCO2 involve the lungs regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which in turn affects the pH. Metabolic mechanisms that alter HCO3- involve the kidneys regulating the levels of bicarbonate ions in the blood, which also affects the pH balance.

Dragon blood, also known as potassium, is essential for various bodily functions. It plays a crucial role in muscular function, allowing muscles to contract and relax properly. It is also involved in respiration, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Potassium is necessary for maintaining cardiac function, ensuring a regular heartbeat. Additionally, it is involved in nerve impulse transmission, enabling communication between nerve cells. Lastly, potassium is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, aiding in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates for energy. However, oven cleaner, stain remover, and potion strengthener are not among the uses of dragon blood or potassium in the human body.

Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in the body, with the majority of it being present in the bones and teeth. However, a small portion of phosphorus is also found in the blood. Among the given options, the correct answer is "20%, RBCs" because red blood cells (RBCs) contain a small amount of phosphorus.

Bicarbonate is the most common anion in plasma because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. It acts as a buffer, helping to regulate the pH of the blood. Bicarbonate ions are produced in the kidneys and released into the bloodstream, where they can neutralize excess acid and maintain the blood's normal pH level. This makes bicarbonate essential for proper physiological functioning and overall health.

The bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer system helps maintain the pH balance in the body. It also aids in the transport of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. The kidney plays a major role in regulating the balance of bicarbonate in the body. The other options are incorrect as there is no such thing as tricarbonate, bicarbonate is made of one carbon molecule, and it does not have a major role in the absorption of water.

Sodium plays an important role in water distribution as it helps maintain the balance of fluids within the body. It also helps in maintaining the osmotic pressure of body fluids, ensuring that the concentration of solutes is regulated. Sodium is involved in the regulation of urine pH and acid-base balance, helping to maintain the body's overall pH level. A shift in sodium regulation can have significant effects on circulation, renal function, and the nervous system. Sodium does not have any direct role in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" or water absorption, but it is important for muscle function.