A managing physician requests an update on a patient's electrolyte balance and renal function due to a concern of potential electrolyte imbalance after noting the patient's symptoms of muscle weakness and arrhythmia. What laboratory panel would provide the most comprehensive information in this scenario?
To assess a patient's electrolyte balance and renal function comprehensively, the most fitting laboratory panel is a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). This panel includes measurements of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and glucose, which are vital for evaluating electrolyte balance and kidney function. While a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) also includes these tests, it is broader and incorporates liver function tests, which are not as critically required in this scenario focused on electrolytes and renal function exclusively. A Lipid profile assesses cholesterol and triglycerides, and is not directly relevant to evaluating electrolytes or renal function. Urinalysis can help assess kidney function but does not provide the same comprehensive snapshot of electrolyte balance that bloodwork provides.
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