Which panel would be ordered to assess electrolyte balance and kidney function?

Which panel would be ordered to assess electrolyte balance and kidney function?

• A. Renal panel.
• B. Comprehensive metabolic panel.
• C. Lipid panel.
• D. Basic Metabolic Panel.

Answer: (D)

The Basic Metabolic Panel focuses on the measures you need to assess electrolyte balance and kidney function. It includes the key electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) and the kidney function markers blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, which together show fluid and electrolyte status as well as how well the kidneys are filtering. The other panels either broaden the scope (comprehensive metabolic panel adds liver tests) or target different areas (lipids, or a renal panel that isn’t the standard term for this quick electrolyte/renal check), so they aren’t as directly focused on electrolytes and kidney function as the Basic Metabolic Panel.

The Basic Metabolic Panel focuses on the measures you need to assess electrolyte balance and kidney function. It includes the key electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) and the kidney function markers blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, which together show fluid and electrolyte status as well as how well the kidneys are filtering. The other panels either broaden the scope (comprehensive metabolic panel adds liver tests) or target different areas (lipids, or a renal panel that isn’t the standard term for this quick electrolyte/renal check), so they aren’t as directly focused on electrolytes and kidney function as the Basic Metabolic Panel.