Which of the following plasma electrolyte levels are outside the normal range?

1. Total calcium 7.4 mEq/L
2. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
3. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
4. Chloride 115 mEq/L
5. Sodium 175 mEq/L
a. 1, 4, and 5 c. 2, 3, and 4
b. 3, 4, and 5 d. 1

ANS: A
Normal values for the plasma electrolytes are as follows: Total calcium, 9.9-11 mEq/L; magnesi-um, 1.5-2.5 mEq/L; potassium, 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; chloride, 98-106 mEq/L; and sodium 136-145 mEq/L. Therefore, the total calcium is low, the chloride is high, and the sodium is high.