Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge and play a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body. They include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. Their primary functions involve helping to maintain fluid balance, facilitate nerve transmission, and support muscle contractions.

In maintaining fluid balance, electrolytes ensure that fluids are properly distributed within and outside of cells. This balance is critical for hydration and is vital for overall health. For nerve function, electrolytes assist in creating electrical impulses that are necessary for sending signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication between the brain and the body. Furthermore, electrolytes are integral to muscle contractions; they help regulate the contraction and relaxation of muscles, including the heart.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary functions of electrolytes. While they are involved in many bodily processes, the roles described in choices regarding energy provision, immune support, and digestion are fulfilled by other nutrients and systems in the body rather than electrolytes directly. Consequently, the correct response highlights the key roles that electrolytes play in fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.