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Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They help to regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance , oxygen delivery , acid–base balance and much more.
The basic physiologic mechanisms of handling fluid and electrolytes by the nephron - filtration, secretion, reabsorption, and excretion - are labelled. Assessment of kidney function occurs in different ways, using the presence of symptoms and signs , as well as measurements using urine tests, blood tests, and medical imaging.
A basic metabolic panel including calcium is sometimes colloquially referred to as a "CHEM-8". Calcium, as an alkaline earth metal, is also an electrolyte, but abnormalities are more commonly associated with malnutrition, osteoporosis, or malignancy, especially of the thyroid. [citation needed]
Urine electrolyte levels can be measured in a medical laboratory for diagnostic purposes. The urine concentrations of sodium , chlorine and potassium may be used to investigate conditions such as abnormal blood electrolyte levels, acute kidney injury , metabolic alkalosis and hypovolemia .
The electrolytes measured most often are sodium and potassium. Chloride levels are rarely measured except for arterial blood gas interpretations since they are inherently linked to sodium levels. One important test conducted on urine is the specific gravity test to determine the occurrence of an electrolyte imbalance. [citation needed]
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A person begins drinking oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss. This strategy adds modest amounts of sugar and salt to water. There are prepackaged ORS products available. A person can also use home products such as lightly salted soup or lightly salted water from the cooking of rice. [1] [2]