Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How does the body typically respond to an excess of electrolytes?

1. Increases hydration

2. Reduces urine output

3. May lead to dehydration

4. Increases urine output

The correct answer is: Increases urine output

The body responds to an excess of electrolytes by increasing urine output. This physiological mechanism serves as a way for the body to maintain electrolyte balance and homeostasis. When there are elevated levels of electrolytes in the bloodstream, such as sodium or potassium, the kidneys work to excrete the surplus through urine. As the kidneys filter blood, they identify the excess electrolytes and adjust the amount of urine produced to eliminate the excess, preventing potential toxicity or harmful effects that could arise from imbalanced levels. In this context, options that suggest the body would decrease urine output or contribute to dehydration do not align with the body's natural regulatory processes. When the body senses an overload of electrolytes, it actively employs mechanisms like increased urine production to restore balance rather than retaining fluids or electrolytes, which could exacerbate the condition.