Which panel would you order to evaluate electrolytes and organ function?

Which panel would you order to evaluate electrolytes and organ function?

• A. Lipid Panel
• B. CBC
• C. TSH
• D. Basic Metabolic Panel/Complete Metabolic Panel

Answer: (D)

When you want to assess electrolyte balance and overall organ function, a metabolic panel is the go-to test. A Basic Metabolic Panel focuses on the core electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—and also gives insight into kidney function through measurements like BUN and creatinine, with glucose as an added parameter. This combination directly reflects how well the body's fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained and how the kidneys are functioning. A Comprehensive (or Complete) Metabolic Panel builds on that by adding liver-related tests (such as liver enzymes and bilirubin) to give a broader view of organ function, particularly the liver. So, for evaluating electrolytes and general organ function, the metabolic panel is the most appropriate choice. The other options serve different purposes: lipid panels assess cholesterol and triglycerides; complete blood counts look at blood cells and related parameters; TSH evaluates thyroid function.

When you want to assess electrolyte balance and overall organ function, a metabolic panel is the go-to test. A Basic Metabolic Panel focuses on the core electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—and also gives insight into kidney function through measurements like BUN and creatinine, with glucose as an added parameter. This combination directly reflects how well the body's fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained and how the kidneys are functioning.

A Comprehensive (or Complete) Metabolic Panel builds on that by adding liver-related tests (such as liver enzymes and bilirubin) to give a broader view of organ function, particularly the liver. So, for evaluating electrolytes and general organ function, the metabolic panel is the most appropriate choice.

The other options serve different purposes: lipid panels assess cholesterol and triglycerides; complete blood counts look at blood cells and related parameters; TSH evaluates thyroid function.