Serum Sodium Imbalances (Hypernatremia)

Hypernatremia is Diagnosed When?

Serum sodium concentration greater than 145 mEq/L

Hypernatremia Definition?

Definition: A greater than normal concentration of sodium intake the blood, caused by excessive loss of water and electrolytes that results from polyuria, diarrhea, excessive sweating, inadequate water intake, or large intake of salt

Hypernatremia Symptoms?

1. Mentally confused

2. Have seizures

3. Lapse into a coma

Hypernatremia Causes?

Cause:

-Excessive sodium intake

-Hypertonic IV solutions

-Hypertonic enteral feedings without adequate water

Hypovelemic Hypernatremia Defintion and Causes?

Defintion: Caused by water depletion

Caused:

-diarrhea and/or vomiting

-Inadequate intake of water or dehydration

-Insensible loss of water because of fever