Determine the anion gap given the following serum electrolyte data: Na = 132 mmol/L,Cl^- = 90 mmol/L,HCO₃^- = 22 mmol/L,K = 4 mmol/L.Is the anion gap you calculated within the healthy reference interval?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate the anion gap, we use the formula: 
Anion gap = (Na + K) - (Cl + HCO3)

Plugging in the values, 
Anion gap = (132+4) - (90+22) 
Anion gap = 24

The healthy reference interval for the anion gap is generally between 8-16 mmol/L. Since our calculated anion gap is 24, it is above the healthy reference interval, indicating a possible underlying medical condition. Therefore, the correct answer is B (No).

Determine the Anion Gap Given the Following Serum Electrolyte Data