Answer :
Milliequivalent (mEq) represents 'milligram equivalent' and is a unit used to express electrolyte concentration, taking into account the ion concentration in millimoles and their electrical charges. So, the correct answer is option 1) Milligram equivalent.
The term milliequivalent (mEq) stands for 'milligram equivalent' and is commonly used in chemistry to measure the amount of solute in a solution, especially electrolyte concentrations. One milliequivalent is based on the ion concentration in millimoles and the number of electrical charges on the ion. For instance, for ions with a single positive charge (monovalent ions), one milliequivalent is equal to one millimole, while for divalent ions like calcium, which carry a charge of two, one milliequivalent corresponds to 0.5 millimoles.
Understanding mEq is essential for calculating osmotic pressure as it reflects both the concentration and the charge on ions present in body fluids, which are usually maintained within the range of 280 to 300 milliosmoles (MOs). Therefore, the correct answer is option 1) Milligram equivalent.
