The essential electrolytes listed below are responsible for the critical job of keeping the body’s fluid in balance. Cancer, cancer treatments, and medications used to treat side effects can cause changes in electrolyte levels, which can potentially become dangerous if they become severe and untreated.  

Electrolyte level tests are part of the Basic Metabolic Panel and Complete Metabolic Panel. However, these tests can also be ordered independently by your physician. 

 Sodium (Na)  

• Sodium is naturally found in some foods or added in the form of table salt. It helps maintain fluid outside of the cells in the body.  

• Low levels of sodium – called hyponatremia - typically mean that there is extra fluid in the body. This can occur from:  

  • Excess water intake, kidney disease causing low water excretion, and/or elevated levels of hormones that regulate water  

• Elevated levels of sodium in the blood – called hypernatremia – means that there is low water, or that water has been lost. The following can result in hypernatremia:   

  • Dehydration, sweat, vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes, low water intake, intense exercise, seizures, and high salt intake – eating / drinking salt or with saline solutions delivered through an IV  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

Potassium (K) 

• Potassium is found naturally in many foods (e.g., bananas, cantaloupe, apricots, etc.). It helps maintain fluid inside of the cells in the body.  

• High potassium – hyperkalemia - may represent problems with the kidneys.  

• Low potassium can be caused by low intake of foods with potassium, medications, sweat, loss of potassium from the GI tract (vomiting, diarrhea).  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 

• Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is expelled by your body when you exhale. Most of the CO2 in your body is in the form of bicarbonate. This electrolyte helps control fluid and pH balance in your body.  

• Abnormal results can indicate that your body is having trouble maintaining pH balance (acid-base balance). This can be the result of your lungs and/or kidneys having trouble removing the CO2 from your blood.  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

 Chloride (Cl) 

• Chloride is a type of electrolyte that helps your body control fluids levels and pH balance.  

• Abnormal results in your body can indicate trouble with your kidneys, lungs, and/or heart.  

• Abnormal levels do not always indicate that treatment is necessary. Drinking too much water or intake of too many OTC antacids can affect these results.  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

 Calcium (Ca) 

• Calcium is an important electrolyte necessary in the proper functioning of your muscles and nerves.   

• Calcium can be found in many foods we eat (I.e., milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, soy)  

• Abnormal results in your body can indicate trouble with your bones, kidney, and certain endocrine glands.  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

 Glucose 

• Glucose is a simple sugar that provides the energy source for our bodies to function.  

• Abnormal results in your body can indicate signs of diabetes, liver disease, or trouble with the pancreas or adrenal glands.  

• Signs and symptoms of abnormal results include:  

When to Contact Your Doctor, Health Care Provider, or Iris Oncology Nurse 

• You are experiencing fever (temperature ≥100.4)  

• You have unusual bleeding, bruising, or red spots under your skin  

• You are experiencing dizziness or shortness of breath  

• You have concerns about any symptoms that you are experiencing