Hypernatremia Flashcards
1
Q
What is hypernatraemia classed as?
A
Serum sodium concentration >145mmol/L.
2
Q
What is hypernatraemia due to?
A
Decrease in total body water relative to sodium
3
Q
How can hypernatraemia present?
A
Lethargy
Weakness
Thirtst
Cnfusion
Seizures
Coma
4
Q
What is the main management of hypernatraemia?
A
Prevent ongoing water loss (e.g. stop diuretics, treat diarrhoea, give antiemetics for vomiting)
5
Q
What is the next step in the management of hypernatraemia?
A
give water orally if possible, if unable give glucose 5% IV slowly
6
Q
How should the first 1/3rd of the deficit be replaced?
A
In the first 24 hours (slowly).
7
Q
What can correcting sodium too radidly result in?
A
Correcting sodium too rapidly can cause cerebral oedema
