Clinical Chemistry : Case study and data interpretation - Assignment Example

The presence of antidiuretic hormone leads to reabsorption of water. The urine excreted also becomes more concentrated. The blood plasma also reduces in its concentration. If the serum is lowly concentrated, there will be decreased production of antidiuretic hormone (CJ, 2010). Having this knowledge helps people to control the amount of fluids in their body especially water which is a dilution factor in the body. It is also important to notice that the osmolality of the extracellular fluid is almost equal to that of the intracellular fluid.

This knowledge is important since plasma osmolality helps in guiding the levels of intracellular osmolality. Understanding this concept is also important since it also guides on the surrounding cells. Question 2 While trying to evaluate the findings of the patient, we can conclude the following in relation to the patients’ health. The effective circulating volume was affected such that the total volume of potassium a basic solute in extracellular fluid declined. The results also show declined number of phosphate salts and magnesium in plasma.

Most importantly is that the level of sodium in plasma remains normal 140mmol/L s the reference range is 135-145mmol/L. Sodium is the main solute in plasma and it is widely used to test for osmolality conditions. ADH is responsible for maintaining the concentrations of sodium in the body. According to the results, the suspected condition is referred to as hyponatreamia. Hyponatreamia is a condition where there is excess water in relation to sodium concentration. Interleukin 6 is therefore responsible for suppressing the release of ADH, which leads to subsequent dilution of other salts such as the phosphates in plasma (Anderson RJ, 1985).

A false presentation of sodium value in plasma may occur if there is increased circulation of lipids and proteins in the body. The high circulation result in high glucose levels in the blood hence drawing a lot of intracellular water to the extracellular space in the cells which if interpreted may give false results. According to the data provided, the symptoms match those of the disease. The symptoms include anorexia, headache, vomiting, nausea, and lethargy on a mild level. On a moderate level, the symptoms include muscle crumps and weakness, which is highlighted in the report.

The patient being drowsy identifies severe conditions of the symptoms. Question 3 Upon the clinical history provided it is only wise to conduct osmolality test, which measures the amount of solutes in plasma, stool, or the urine. The main reason is to verify the amount of water balance in the body. This test can also help in determining whether there are toxins in the body. For this, purpose the plasma test is required since the patient history already presents symptoms of vomiting, headaches, and muscle weakness in the limbs.

Stool osmolality is only necessary if there is any case of diarrhea (Mittal R, 2011), which is not present in the history of the patient. Urine osmolality will also be necessary for the patient in order to compare with the plasma test in order to determine whether the urine production is either low or high. Question 4 In order to regulate plasma osmolality it is paramount that plasma osmolality is maintained between 285 and 295mOsm/kg (Ellison DH, 2007). It is also important to be aware of proper intake of water in order to maintain balance in the bo