What is the electrolyte composition of jejunal fluid?

What is the electrolyte composition of jejunal fluid?

• A. Sodium 95-120 mEq/L; Potassium 5-15 mEq/L; Chloride 80-130 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 10-20 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 110-130 mEq/L; Potassium 10-20 mEq/L; Chloride 90-110 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 20-30 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 140-160 mEq/L; Potassium 20-30 mEq/L; Chloride 110-140 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 30-40 mEq/L
• D. Sodium 80-100 mEq/L; Potassium 0-5 mEq/L; Chloride 70-90 mEq/L; Bicarbonate 5-10 mEq/L

Answer: (A)

Jejunal fluid is a small-intestine secretion with ion levels reflecting rapid absorption of some ions and secretion of others as chyme moves along. The typical composition shows sodium and chloride in the mid-to-high range, potassium in a lower range, and bicarbonate present but not maximized. Specifically, jejunal lumen values are about sodium 95–120 mEq/L, potassium 5–15 mEq/L, chloride 80–130 mEq/L, and bicarbonate 10–20 mEq/L. This pattern differs from plasma (which has higher sodium and bicarbonate) and from pancreatic or other secretions that carry much higher bicarbonate.

Jejunal fluid is a small-intestine secretion with ion levels reflecting rapid absorption of some ions and secretion of others as chyme moves along. The typical composition shows sodium and chloride in the mid-to-high range, potassium in a lower range, and bicarbonate present but not maximized. Specifically, jejunal lumen values are about sodium 95–120 mEq/L, potassium 5–15 mEq/L, chloride 80–130 mEq/L, and bicarbonate 10–20 mEq/L. This pattern differs from plasma (which has higher sodium and bicarbonate) and from pancreatic or other secretions that carry much higher bicarbonate.