Fluid & Electrolytes: Sodium lecture notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of hypernatremia and hyponatremia, including causes, symptoms, treatments, and normal lab values based on the lecture transcript.

Hypernatremia

A state of dehydration characterized by too much sodium and not enough water in the blood.

Hyponatremia

A state of dilution characterized by too much water and not enough sodium in the blood.

Normal Sodium Lab Values

$$135-145\,mEq/L$$

Hyperventilation (Sodium Impact)

A cause of hypernatremia because water is lost every time the individual exhales.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition listed as a cause for hypernatremia due to water loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypernatremia

Includes dry mouth, being thirsty (dehydrated by the time thirst occurs), a swollen tongue, and neuro changes.

Treatment for Hypernatremia

Restrict sodium, dilute the client with fluids, monitor daily weights, track I&O (intake and output), and review lab work.

Drinking H2O for fluid replacement

A cause of hyponatremia when used to replace fluids lost via vomiting or sweating, as it only replaces water and dilutes the blood.

Psychogenic polydipsia

A condition where a client loves to drink water, leading to hyponatremia.

D5W

A sugar and water solution that can lead to hyponatremia through dilution.

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone, which causes the body to retain water and leads to hyponatremia.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia

Includes headache, seizure, and coma.

Feeding tube client considerations

These clients tend to become dehydrated; nurses should be proactive and ask for more free water orders if sodium levels are trending up.

General Sodium Rule

If you have a sodium problem, you have a fluid problem.