Which value falls within the normal chloride range?

Which value falls within the normal chloride range?

• A. 75 mEq/L
• B. 85 mEq/L
• C. 110 mEq/L
• D. 125 mEq/L

Answer: (B)

Chloride helps maintain extracellular fluid balance and works with bicarbonate to keep the body's acid-base status stable. The normal serum chloride range is typically around 80–100 mEq/L in many clinical settings. So, a value of 85 mEq/L falls within that common normal range. Values well below (75 mEq/L) suggest hypochloremia, which can accompany vomiting, certain diuretic therapies, or metabolic alkalosis, while values above (110 or 125 mEq/L) suggest hyperchloremia, which can occur with metabolic acidosis or large amounts of chloride-rich IV fluids. Remember that exact reference ranges can vary slightly by lab, but 85 mEq/L fits the usual 80–100 mEq/L window.

Chloride helps maintain extracellular fluid balance and works with bicarbonate to keep the body's acid-base status stable. The normal serum chloride range is typically around 80–100 mEq/L in many clinical settings. So, a value of 85 mEq/L falls within that common normal range. Values well below (75 mEq/L) suggest hypochloremia, which can accompany vomiting, certain diuretic therapies, or metabolic alkalosis, while values above (110 or 125 mEq/L) suggest hyperchloremia, which can occur with metabolic acidosis or large amounts of chloride-rich IV fluids. Remember that exact reference ranges can vary slightly by lab, but 85 mEq/L fits the usual 80–100 mEq/L window.