'''Electrolytes''' include Calcium, Sodium, Chloride and Potassium. Calcium is present in three forms within the plasma: bound to protein (approx. 50%), complexed and ionised. Sodium is an important cation of the extracellular fluid and contributes to plasma oncotic pressure. Potassium is the main intracellular cation, and levels in plasma are rarely reflective of the total body level of this electrolyte. | '''Electrolytes''' include Calcium, Sodium, Chloride and Potassium. Calcium is present in three forms within the plasma: bound to protein (approx. 50%), complexed and ionised. Sodium is an important cation of the extracellular fluid and contributes to plasma oncotic pressure. Potassium is the main intracellular cation, and levels in plasma are rarely reflective of the total body level of this electrolyte. |