Sodium

Question 1

the balance of water and salt in the body shifts so there is an excess of water in the body and a deficit of salt

Answer 1

hyponatremia ( < 135 mEq/L)

Question 2

what happens within the body with hyponatremia?

Answer 2

fluids shift from the EC to the ICF causing cellular edema

Question 3

what are the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia?

Answer 3

General: lethargy, stupor, coma
Mental: headaches, anxiety
Muscles: cramps, weakness
GI: nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea
Heart: hypotension, shock

Question 4

what is the tx for hyponatremia?

Answer 4

increase sodium intake
restrict fluids
loop diuretics
ringers solutions

Question 5

the balance of water and salt in the body shifts so there is an excess of salt in the body and a deficit of water

Answer 5

hypernatremia ( > 145 mEq/L)

Question 6

what are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?

Answer 6

General: dry skin & mucous membranes, decreased turgor, furrowed tongue, dry mouth
Mental: seizures, coma, headache, restlessness
GI: increased thirst, oliguria, increased urine output, increased urine specific gravity
Heart: tachycardia, vascular collapse
General: weight gain

Question 7

what is the tx for hypernatremia?

Answer 7

IV water replacement

diuretics

Question 8

what foods are high in salt?

Answer 8

bacon
ham
table salt

Question 9

what is the most abundant cation in ECF and regulates the osmolality of the ECF?

Answer 9

sodium

Question 10

which other electrolytes does sodium work with?

Answer 10

chloride and potassium

Question 11

what is the normal level within the body for sodium?

Answer 11

135 to 145 mEq/L