You get the results of mrs. M's blood tests and see that the osmolarity of her blood is higher than normal. What is the most likely explanation for the increased concentration of mrs. M's blood?
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Answer:
Your blood is a little like a liquid chemistry set. Along with oxygen, it contains proteins, minerals, hormones, and a long list of chemicals. Your body usually does a good job balancing all these things.
But sometimes you can have too much of a mineral or chemical -- or too little. This can trigger reactions in your body, some of which can cause serious health problems.
If your doctor thinks you have such a chemical imbalance in your blood, she may recommend that you get a serum osmolality test.
“Osmolality” refers to the concentration of dissolved particles of chemicals and minerals -- such as sodium and other electrolytes -- in your serum. Higher osmolality means more particles in your serum. Lower osmolality means they’re more diluted.
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A serum osmolality test is a way to check the fluid-to-particle balance in your body. It can help your doctor diagnose several possible conditions. You may also hear it called an “osmolality serum” test. Serum is the fluid in your veins and arteries minus the blood cells. So you will have blood taken anytime you get a “serum test.”
Why Would I Get One?
The main reason to get this test is if you’re showing signs of dehydrationor other problems related to your fluid levels. The main one is hyponatremia. This condition happens when your sodium levels are too low and your body starts retaining fluid.
Sodium is one of the major electrolytes in your bloodstream. (Others include magnesium and potassium.) Electrolytes are chemicals that help cells absorb nutrients and get rid of waste products, among other important functions. One of sodium’s other main jobs is to balance water levels inside cells and throughout your body.
You may also have a serum osmolality test if you have a problem with antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH helps your body retain water rather than losing it when you pee.When your body makes more ADH, your kidneys make less urine. Your urine then becomes very concentrated. A rise in osmolality causes your body to make more ADH. If your osmolality is lower, you’ll have less ADH.
Too much or too little ADH can cause health problems. One reaction to low sodium levels is a seizure. If you have seizures or noticeable changes in your urine or how often you pee, your doctor may recommend that you get a serum osmolality test.
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