Which lab panel is monitored to assess electrolytes after CABG?

• A. Basic metabolic panel
• B. Complete blood count
• C. Liver function tests
• D. Coagulation studies

Answer: (A)

After CABG, keeping electrical stability relies on knowing the key electrolytes and kidney function. The basic metabolic panel is used because it directly screens essential electrolytes—potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride—and also provides kidney function data (creatinine and BUN). Potassium, in particular, is vital for cardiac conduction, and bicarbonate helps detect metabolic disturbances that can affect rhythm. Having these values ready allows quick correction of imbalances to reduce arrhythmia risk and support overall fluid and electrolyte balance.

Other panels serve different purposes: a complete blood count mainly reviews blood cells and infections or bleeding risk; liver function tests assess liver injury or function; coagulation studies evaluate clotting status. If magnesium is specifically needed, it’s often checked separately, but the core electrolyte status post-CABG is captured by the basic metabolic panel.