What does a basic metabolic panel primarily assess?

A basic metabolic panel is designed to evaluate several key aspects of a patient’s metabolic health. It primarily assesses the electrolyte balance in the body, measuring levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and glucose, among others. These electrolytes are crucial for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and overall cellular activity.

In addition to electrolytes, the panel includes blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, which are essential indicators of kidney function. Analyzing these parameters together provides a comprehensive look at how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the bloodstream and helps identify any imbalances that could indicate various metabolic or renal disorders.

The other options, although important in their own contexts, do not align with the primary focus of a basic metabolic panel. For instance, liver health is primarily assessed with a liver function panel; bone density is evaluated through specific imaging tests or bone density scans; and blood clotting ability is assessed using coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Thus, option C accurately encapsulates the primary purpose of a basic metabolic panel.