Which statement regarding electrolytes is accurate?

The statement regarding electrolytes that is accurate is that hypoalbuminemia causes low total calcium but does not affect ionized calcium (Cai). This is an important concept in clinical chemistry and is grounded in the understanding of how calcium is transported in the blood.

Total calcium levels in the serum are comprised of both bound calcium (which is usually bound to proteins like albumin) and ionized calcium, which is the physiologically active form. In states of hypoalbuminemia, where there is a decreased concentration of albumin in the bloodstream, total calcium levels will decrease because a significant portion of total calcium is associated with albumin. However, the level of ionized calcium remains stable since it is not bound to proteins and reflects the biologically active fraction of calcium. Therefore, while total calcium may appear low due to reduced albumin levels, ionized calcium levels are usually unaffected and remain adequate for physiological needs.

In contrast to this correct statement, pseudohyponatremia is related to the presence of high concentrations of lipids or proteins and can occur even in diluted samples, potassium levels are generally comparable between heparinized plasma and serum but can be affected by various factors, and hypercalcemia is more typically associated with conditions leading to