Question

The nurse is reviewing the results of the electrolyte panel for a client seen in the clinic. The nurse determines that the client's sodium level is normal if which value is noted?

1) 120 mEq/L
2) 142 mEq/L
3) 148 mEq/L
4) 152 mEq/L

Answer 1

The nurse determines that the client's sodium level is normal if the value noted is 142 mEq/L. Normal sodium concentrations in the body are about 10 times higher outside than inside of cells. The overall concentration of sodium in the plasma is approximately 0.14 M, while in the fluid outside of the plasma, it is approximately 0.5 M.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse determines that the client's sodium level is normal if the value noted is 142 mEq/L.

Normal sodium concentrations in the body are about 10 times higher outside than inside of cells.

The overall concentration of sodium in the plasma is approximately 0.14 M, while in the fluid outside of the plasma, it is approximately 0.5 M.