What is the electrolyte composition of ileal fluid?

What is the electrolyte composition of ileal fluid?

• A. Ileum: Sodium 130-150 mEq/L; Potassium 5-10 mEq/L; Chloride 90-100 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 15-25 mEq/L
• B. Ileum: Sodium 100-120 mEq/L; Potassium 5-10 mEq/L; Chloride 100-120 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 15-25 mEq/L
• C. Ileum: Sodium 110-130 mEq/L; Potassium 10-20 mEq/L; Chloride 90-110 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 20-30 mEq/L
• D. Ileum: Sodium 90-110 mEq/L; Potassium 20-30 mEq/L; Chloride 80-100 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 25-35 mEq/L

Answer: (C)

The electrolyte makeup of ileal fluid reflects how the terminal ileum handles salts and bicarbonate during secretion and absorption. In normal ileal effluent, sodium and chloride remain relatively high, while bicarbonate is present in a moderate amount due to secretion into the lumen, and potassium remains comparatively lower. The typical ranges you’d expect are sodium about 110–130 mEq/L, potassium about 10–20 mEq/L, chloride about 90–110 mEq/L, and bicarbonate about 20–30 mEq/L. This combination matches the common understanding of ileal fluid composition, and is why this option is the best pick. Clinically, losses of bicarbonate-rich ileal fluid—such as with an ileostomy—can lead to metabolic acidosis, informing how we approach fluid and electrolyte replacement.

The electrolyte makeup of ileal fluid reflects how the terminal ileum handles salts and bicarbonate during secretion and absorption. In normal ileal effluent, sodium and chloride remain relatively high, while bicarbonate is present in a moderate amount due to secretion into the lumen, and potassium remains comparatively lower. The typical ranges you’d expect are sodium about 110–130 mEq/L, potassium about 10–20 mEq/L, chloride about 90–110 mEq/L, and bicarbonate about 20–30 mEq/L. This combination matches the common understanding of ileal fluid composition, and is why this option is the best pick. Clinically, losses of bicarbonate-rich ileal fluid—such as with an ileostomy—can lead to metabolic acidosis, informing how we approach fluid and electrolyte replacement.