Hi Jen,

 

When electrolytes are measured, it is the CONCENTRATION of the electrolyte in the bloodstream that is measured....i.e., the total amount of an electrolyte in your body RELATIVE to the amount of water in your bloodstream.  (See p. 141.)  Thus, if water and electrolytes are lost proportionately, the electrolyte levels might stay within normal limits, even though the TOTAL electrolyte or water loss is enough to cause poor circulation or shock. 

 

Adrenal crisis can also occur as a result of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), due to low cortisol (see p. 61, also p. 163.) Again, this can occur independently of any sort of electrolyte imbalance.