What are blood electrolyte tests for?

Blood electrolyte test is mainly used to check whether the concentration of electrolytes in the body is normal or not. Generally, sodium ions, potassium ions, calcium ions, phosphorus ions, magnesium ions and iron ions need to be examined in order to ascertain whether there is any disorder of electrolytes. When electrolytes are found to be elevated or lowered, such as hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia, etc., it often suggests that there is a disease, which is of great significance to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. 1. Hypernatremia: it is usually caused by water loss more than sodium loss, sodium ion excretion disorder, and sodium intake, and is commonly seen in patients with severe dehydration, traumatic brain injury, and adrenal hypercorticism, which can be manifested as apathy, drowsiness, progressive muscle weakness, and a lack of concentration. 2. , lethargy, progressive increased muscle tone, and tremors, but usually the initial symptoms are not obvious. Sodium content is mainly assessed by blood electrolyte examination, and in case of hypernatremia, it is necessary to rehydrate or limit sodium intake in time, and also to increase sodium excretion, usually furosemide can be injected; 2. Hyponatremia: lowering may be caused by loss of sodium more than loss of water, and large amount of water retention, etc., which is commonly seen in diabetes mellitus, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and patients who have lost a large amount of fluids, such as severe pyelonephritis, etc. Usually, the early symptoms are not obvious, but further symptoms are not obvious. Symptoms are usually not obvious in the early stages, but further development may result in gastrointestinal reactions and discomfort such as dizziness and headache, which can also be detected by blood electrolyte tests. Generally, sodium can be replenished by oral saline, etc., and the intake of water can be restricted or its discharge can be promoted. 3. Hyperkalemia: usually caused by the reduction of potassium discharge, excessive input of potassium-containing drugs and the transfer of intracellular potassium to the outside of the cell, which is commonly seen in the conditions of acute renal failure, hemolysis, shock, acidosis, etc. In severe cases, numbness of the limbs and the perioral sensation can appear, as well as fatigue, muscle aches and pains, pale and wet and cold limbs, and weakened heart sounds, etc., and cardiac arrhythmia is also likely to occur. In severe cases, there may be numbness in the limbs and around the mouth, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, pale and cold limbs, weakened heart sounds, and arrhythmia. Calcium gluconate can usually be injected slowly intravenously, and drugs that promote potassium excretion, such as thiazide diuretics, can also be used. Excessive intake of potassium should be avoided, and a low-potassium diet can be maintained. 4. Hypokalemia: usually caused by insufficient potassium intake and excessive potassium excretion, commonly seen in patients with alkalosis, fasting, diarrhea, vomiting, and long-term use of diuretics. To a lesser extent, muscle weakness, lack of appetite, abdominal distension and other manifestations can usually occur. It can also be detected by blood electrolyte examination. If the potassium ion content is too low, potassium should be replenished in time, and more potassium-containing foods can be eaten, such as fresh vegetables, fruit juices and meats, and when the situation is more serious, potassium can also be replenished by intravenous slow drip in a timely and effective manner, and it should be noted that intravenous injection is contraindicated; 5. Hypocalcemia: it can be seen in hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D metabolism disorders, and renal failure, and there is no obvious symptom, but if the calcium ion concentration is low, it can be seen in patients who have been suffering from alkaline poisoning. There are usually no obvious symptoms, but if the calcium concentration decreases too fast, neuromuscular excitability may increase, causing smooth muscle spasm. In case of chronic hypocalcemia, rickets and achondroplasia may also occur, which can generally be detected by blood electrolyte examination. Calcium ions can be gradually replenished through food and other means for mild symptoms in general, but in case of critical hypocalcemia, drugs such as calcium chloride injection or calcium gluconate injection can be slowly pushed intravenously to replenish calcium in a timely manner so as to avoid life-threatening situations.