Question:easy
The body fluid compartments of a patient were measured, which showed the following values:
Na - 10
K - 140
Cl - 15
Name the fluid compartment.
The body fluid compartments of a patient were measured, which showed the following values:
Na - 10
K - 140
Cl - 15
Name the fluid compartment.
Na - 10
K - 140
Cl - 15
Name the fluid compartment.
Show Hint
Recall which compartment has high potassium and low sodium as its dominant electrolytes.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Interstitial fluid
- ECF
- ICF
- Total body fluid
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Electrolyte Composition of Fluid Compartments:
The two principal fluid compartments have opposite electrolyte profiles:
| Ion | ECF (mEq/L) | ICF (mEq/L) |
|-----|-------------|-------------|
| $Na^+$ | ~140 | ~10 |
| $K^+$ | ~4 | ~140 |
| $Cl^-$ | ~103 | ~4 |
The given values -- $Na^+ = 10$, $K^+ = 140$, $Cl^- = 15$ -- match the ICF profile: low sodium, high potassium, low chloride.
Mechanism:
The $Na^+/K^+$ ATPase pump (3 $Na^+$ out, 2 $K^+$ in per cycle) actively maintains this electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. This gradient is essential for resting membrane potential, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.
Answer: \[\boxed{\text{ICF (Intracellular Fluid)}}\]
The two principal fluid compartments have opposite electrolyte profiles:
| Ion | ECF (mEq/L) | ICF (mEq/L) |
|-----|-------------|-------------|
| $Na^+$ | ~140 | ~10 |
| $K^+$ | ~4 | ~140 |
| $Cl^-$ | ~103 | ~4 |
The given values -- $Na^+ = 10$, $K^+ = 140$, $Cl^- = 15$ -- match the ICF profile: low sodium, high potassium, low chloride.
Mechanism:
The $Na^+/K^+$ ATPase pump (3 $Na^+$ out, 2 $K^+$ in per cycle) actively maintains this electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. This gradient is essential for resting membrane potential, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.
Answer: \[\boxed{\text{ICF (Intracellular Fluid)}}\]
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