Word parts
What it means
Too little chloride in the blood. Chloride is a negative electrolyte that moves with sodium and helps keep the acid-base balance. Chloride is lost with vomiting, nasogastric suction and some diuretics, and low chloride often goes along with low sodium and metabolic alkalosis.
For the nurse
Look at the chloride level together with sodium, potassium and bicarbonate. Measure losses from vomiting or suction, and give replacement fluids as ordered.
At a glance
| Normal range | Chloride 98–106 mEq/L [98–106 mmol/L] |
|---|---|
| Also written | hypochloraemia, hypochloremic |
Easy to confuse with
hyperchloremia
A blood chloride level above normal, over 106 mEq/L.
Related terms
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
hyperchloremia
A blood chloride level above normal, over 106 mEq/L.