Sweating causes the need to replace two essential electrolytes. Which pair is correct?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Sodium and Potassium
• D. Chloride

Answer: (C)

Sweat depletes electrolytes that keep fluid balance and muscle and nerve function working properly. Among the electrolytes, sodium and potassium are the two most important to replace after sweating. Sodium helps maintain extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure, while potassium is essential for muscle contractions and nerve signaling. Although chloride is also lost with sodium, the best two electrolytes to replenish to restore balance and function are sodium and potassium, since replacing both supports both fluid balance and muscle/nerve activity. Replacing only one electrolyte can leave other systems out of balance, so pairing sodium with potassium aligns with the goal of maintaining cellular and bodily functions during and after sweating.