Potassium: Potassium is found in the extracellular fluid of body. It helps nerves and muscles communicate.

It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells Low potassium is called hypokalemia. It is most often caused by the use of a diuretic which causes the kidneys to excrete potassium. It can also occur with prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Low potassium can cause fatigue, confusion or muscle weakness. If left untreated, it can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms Sodium Balance This plays a crucial role in the excitability of muscles and neurones. It is also of crucial importance in regulating fluid balance in the body. Sodium levels are extremely closely regulated by kidney function.When blood levels of sodium are too high, called hypernatremia, and is usually caused by a loss of body water or dehydration. It can occur with the use of diuretics, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. The first symptom is usually thirst, followed by weakness and fatigue. If a high sodium level is not treated, it can lead to confusion, paralysis and coma Calcium and Phosphorous Balance Calcium is found mainly in the extracellular fluids whilst phosphorous is found mostly in the intracellular fluids. Both are important in the maintenance of healthy bone and teeth. Calcium is also important in the transmission of nerve impulses across synapses, the clotting of blood and the contraction of muscles. If the levels of calcium fall below normal level both muscles and nerves become more excitable. A: Fluid excess in body B: Edema occurs because of trauma to an area, vascular compromise or pump (heart) problems/failure. In this case, diabetics, obesity, hypertension, smoking are risk factor to develop peripheral vascular problems, heart complications and renal failure. Obesity could cause of fluid excess in body because this will compromise the circulation to the lower extremities and result in some pitting edema. In obesity, High venular pressure prevents return of water by osmosis to plasma Lab values: Hematocrit HCT Measures a volume percentage of red blood cells in the plasma.

Normal value : Females = 37-47%; Males = 40=54%) Blood viscosity