Electrolyte imbalances

Question 1

Hyponatremia

Answer 1

Serum Sodium Less than 135 mEq/L

Question 2

What causes Hyponatremia? (Low Sodium Levels)

Answer 2

Adrenal Insufficiency, Water Intoxication, SIADH,
Losses by vomiting
Diarrhea
Sweating
Diuretics

Question 3

Poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, headache, decreased salivation, decreased BP, nausea, abdominal cramping, and neurologic changes

Answer 3

Hyponatremia

Question 4

What is the Nursing Management for Hyponatremia?

Answer 4

assessment and prevention, monitoring of dietary sodium and fluid intake, identification and monitoring of at-risk patients and the effects of medications (diuretics and lithium)

Question 5

HyperNatremia

Answer 5

Serum Sodium 145 mEq/L

Question 6

Thirst, Elevated Temperature, dry, swollen tongue, Sticky Mucosa, Neurologic Symptoms, Restlessness, Weakness

Answer 6

Hypernatremia

Question 7

Causes of Hypernatremia (too much sodium)

Answer 7

Excess Water loss, excess sodium administration, Diabetes Insipidus, Heat Stroke, Hypertonic IV solutions

Question 8

Nursing Management for Hypernatremia (too much sodium)

Answer 8

assessment and prevention, assess for over-the-counter (OTC) sources of sodium, offer and encourage fluids to meet patient needs, and provide sufficient water with tube feedings