What is the normal range for chloride in mEq/L?

What is the normal range for chloride in mEq/L?

• A. 70-90
• B. 80-100
• C. 90-110
• D. 100-120

Answer: (B)

Chloride is the major extracellular anion that helps maintain osmolality and electrical neutrality, working with sodium and bicarbonate to support acid–base balance. A typical reference range for chloride in serum is around the mid to upper 90s to 100-something mEq/L, often cited as about 95–105 mEq/L. Among the given options, 80–100 mEq/L best matches the range used in NBRC-style questions, making it the most appropriate choice. Values above this range can indicate hyperchloremia associated with metabolic acidosis or high chloride loads, while values below can indicate hypochloremia associated with metabolic alkalosis or diuretic use. The other ranges are either clearly too low or too high to be considered normal in standard references.

Chloride is the major extracellular anion that helps maintain osmolality and electrical neutrality, working with sodium and bicarbonate to support acid–base balance. A typical reference range for chloride in serum is around the mid to upper 90s to 100-something mEq/L, often cited as about 95–105 mEq/L.

Among the given options, 80–100 mEq/L best matches the range used in NBRC-style questions, making it the most appropriate choice. Values above this range can indicate hyperchloremia associated with metabolic acidosis or high chloride loads, while values below can indicate hypochloremia associated with metabolic alkalosis or diuretic use. The other ranges are either clearly too low or too high to be considered normal in standard references.