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Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia refers to high sodium levels in the blood above 145 mEq/L. Sodium is an electrolyte found mainly in blood that regulates water balance, blood pressure, pH and cell function. Too much sodium causes an electrolyte imbalance and problems. It occurs when sodium intake is too high, water intake is too low, or conditions like Cushing's syndrome or diarrhea prevent the kidneys from excreting enough sodium. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, nausea, confusion and seizures. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, restricting sodium intake, and increasing water intake under medical supervision.

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Aliyah Pundag
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617 views2 pages

Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia refers to high sodium levels in the blood above 145 mEq/L. Sodium is an electrolyte found mainly in blood that regulates water balance, blood pressure, pH and cell function. Too much sodium causes an electrolyte imbalance and problems. It occurs when sodium intake is too high, water intake is too low, or conditions like Cushing's syndrome or diarrhea prevent the kidneys from excreting enough sodium. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, nausea, confusion and seizures. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, restricting sodium intake, and increasing water intake under medical supervision.

Uploaded by

Aliyah Pundag
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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  • Hypernatremia: Defines hypernatremia, explains related sodium imbalance, and outlines etiology and pathophysiology.
  • Nursing Interventions: Lists nursing interventions for managing hypernatremia, including monitoring and fluid management.

HYPERNATREMIA

Hyper – “excessive or high”


Natr/Natrium- “prefix word or latin name of Sodium”
Emia – “blood”

Hypernatremia
- It is the medical term to describe too much sodium in your blood generally above 145-mil
equivalent per liter. Wherein the normal sodium level is 135-145 mEgl, so anything over a 145 is
considered as hypernatremic.
- Sodium is one of the body's electrolytes —- found mostly in your blood — that is important for
many bodily functions. However, when there's too much, it is an imbalance in your body's
electrolytes and can cause serious problems.

Sodium
- It’s an important electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water inside and outside of the
cell (water and sodium loves each other). Wherever sodium goes, so does water.
- Sodium is an important nutrient in your body. It helps to regulate your blood volume, your blood
pressure, the pH of your body, and the electrical conductivity of your cells. This means that sodium
not only helps balance the amount of water that is on the inside or outside of your cells, but it's also
critical for how your muscles and nerves work. Your kidneys help regulate how much sodium is in
your body — most of it is removed through urine, and a small amount comes out in your sweat.

Etiology of Hypernatremia
Remember the phrase “HIGH SALT”
Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Syndrome), hyperventilation
Increased intake of sodium (oral or IV route)
GI feeding (tube) without adequate water supplements
Hypertonic solutions
Sodium excretion decreased (body keeping too much sodium) and corticosteroids
Aldosterone problem (reabsorption of sodium)
Loss of fluids (dehydrated) infection (fever), sweating, diarrhea, and diabetes insipidus
Thirst impairment

Pathopysiology

Clinical Manifestation
Most manifestations are neurologic in nature including:
 Fatigue
 Headache
 Nausea/vomiting
 Confusion
 Seizures
 Coma
Laboratory Exam
Blood test and Urine test

Management
Medical pharmacological

Nursing Interventions
There are various types of nursing intervention for hyponatremia patient, which are pointed out below:
1. Strictly maintain fluid intake and output of patient hourly.
2. Check weight every day to monitor the fluid volume status.
3. Monitor and observe skin turgor to identify dehydration and accurately record the state
of hydration.
4. Monitor vital signs carefully and note respiratory rate and depth to identify pulmonary
edema.
5. Check and monitor the hyponatremia patient for signs of edema and hypertension.
6. Monitor for signs of circulatory overload, as indicated
7. Monitor and observe for neuromuscular changes such as declining levels of
consciousness, fatigue, and muscular weakness.
8. Give supplemental oxygen to lethargy or unconscious patient as needed.
9. Patients with sodium imbalances often are confused and act crazy. So ensure safety
measures.
10. Carefully monitor hyponatremia patients for any sign of convulsion and notify a
physician.
11. Take seizure precautions as ordered.
12. Monitor laboratory serum sodium levels to determine the effectiveness of IV fluids.
13. Administer prescribed medication as an order.
14. Carefully administer the 3% or 5% sodium-containing fluid by using an infusion pump as
prescribed.
15. Identify the specific cause of hyponatremia such as sodium loss of fluid excess.
16. Give mouth care frequently as dry mouth and saliva production decreased.
17. Address acute life-threatening conditions and initiate supportive care.

HYPERNATREMIA Hyper – “excessive or high” Natr/Natrium- “prefix word or latin name of Sodium” Emia – “blood” Hypernatremia -
Laboratory Exam Blood test and Urine test Management Medical pharmacological Nursing Interventions There are various types o

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