Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

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.