HYPERNATREMIA (electrolyte imbalance)
HYPERNATREMIA It is a high concentration of sodium in blood normal sodium level - 135 - 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is defined as a serum sodium level more than 145 mEq/L Dangerous Hyper sodium > 158 mEq/L leads to development of seizures in a patient. Treatment - Diluted fluids (5% dextrose or N/2(0.45%) in 5% dextrose) causes: Loss of water from body like in extremely debilitated old patients having extreme thirst Lactulose: osmotic diarrhea Mannitol (excess doses) Diabetes insipidus with loss of water INVESTIGATION: Urine osmolality If osmolality is < 250 mOsm/L in case of Diabetes insipidus with polydipsia and no access to water. so here water loss in body occurs If osmolality >400 mOsm/L in case of extreme sweating - In asymptomatic hypernatremia - liberal water intake - Volume of fluids correction in case of sodium↑ - 160mEq TBW(total body water) X sodium actual - 145/145 ...