Sodium

Question 1

What is the primary electrolyte in ECF?

Answer 1

Sodium

Question 2

What is the sodium concentration in the ICF?

Answer 2

14 mEq/L

Question 3

What is the role of sodium in muscle and nerve function?

Answer 3

It helps maintain skeletal muscle contraction, cardiac contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.

Question 4

What hormones assist in regulating sodium levels?

Answer 4

Aldosterone, ADH, and natriuretic peptide

Question 5

What are the sodium levels for hyponatremia?

Answer 5

A sodium level less than 136

Question 6

What causes cellular edema in hyponatremia?

Answer 6

Water moves from ECF into ICF

Question 7

Name 3 risk factors for actual sodium deficit.

Answer 7

Excessive sweating, diuretics, nasogastric suction

Question 8

Name 3 risk factors for relative sodium deficit due to dilution

Answer 8

SIADH, hypotonic fluid excess, freshwater submersion

Question 9

What is a common vital sign finding in hypovolemia hyponatremia?

Answer 9

Tachycardia and hypotension

Question 10

What are common neuromuscular signs of hyponatremia?

Answer 10

Confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness, seizures

Question 11

What are the GI findings in hyponatremia?

Answer 11

Abdominal cramping, nausea, hyperactive bowel sounds

Question 12

What lab findings indicate hyponatremia?

Answer 12

Sodium less than 136
Low serum osmolality
Low urine sodium ( high in SIADH)

Question 13

What is the maximum sodium correction recommended in 24 hrs?

Answer 13

No more than 12 mEq/L

Question 14

What hypertonic IV solution is used to treat severe hyponatremia?

Answer 14

3% sodium chloride

Question 15

What is hypernatremia?

Answer 15

Sodium greater than 145 mEq/L

Question 16

What is the cellular effect of hyponatremia?

Answer 16

Water shifts out of cells causing cellular deshydration

Question 17

Name 3 causes of actual sodium excess

Answer 17

Kidney failure, Cushing syndrome, excessive sodium intake

Question 18

Name 3 causes of relative sodium excess due to fluid loss

Answer 18

Diabetes Insipidus, heatstroke, watery stools

Question 19

What neuromuscular findings occur in hypernatremia?

Answer 19

Restlessness, muscle twitching, seizures.

Question 20

What GI findings occur in hypernatremia?

Answer 20

Thirst, dry mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting

Question 21

What lab values are elevated in hypernatremia?

Answer 21

Sodium ↑145 mEq/L
Serum osmolality ↑300 mOsm/L
Increased urine specific gravity

Question 22

What IV fluid helps gradually reduce sodium in hypernatremia?

Answer 22

0.3% sodium chloride

Question 23

What solution becomes hypotonic after infusion due to glucose metabolism?

Answer 23

Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride

Question 24

What dietary advice is important for hypernatremic patient?

Answer 24

Encourage water intake and restrict sodium intake

Question 25

What medication is used to promote sodium excretion. In hypernatremia

Answer 25

Loop diuretics

Question 26

What is a severe complication of untreated hypernatremia?

Answer 26

Seizures, coma, or death

Question 27

What is a key nursing action when administering 3% NaCl?

Answer 27

Infuse slowly and monitor sodium levels frequently

Question 28

What precautions should be taken for both hypo- and hypernatremia?

Answer 28

Implement seizure precautions

Question 29

What dietary recommendations is important for hyponatremic patients?

Answer 29

Consume a high-sodium diet

Question 30

What IV solutions is preferred for hypernatremia with severe hyperglycemia?

Answer 30

0.3% sodium chloride

Question 31

What is an example of hypotonic solution

Answer 31

Dextrose 5% in water

Question 32

What should patients with hypernatremia avoid?

Answer 32

Sodium bicarbonate-containing OTC medications

Question 33

What interprofessional consult may help with sodium-restricted diets?

Answer 33

Nutritional services a

Question 34

How does aldosterone affect sodium?

Answer 34

It promotes sodium retention in the kidneys

Question 35

How does ADH influence sodium and water balance?

Answer 35

ADH retains water but does not directly retain sodium

Question 36

What is natriuretic peptides role in sodium balance

Answer 36

It promotes sodium and water excretion to lower blood pressure and volume

Question 37

What sodium imbalance can SIADH cause?

Answer 37

Hyponatremia due to water retention

Question 38

What is cerebral salt wasting syndrome?

Answer 38

A condition where excessive sodium is excreted by the kidneys, causing hyponatremia

Question 39

What happens to ECF osmolality in hyponatremia

Answer 39

It decreases

Question 40

What IV solutions is isotonic and often used to correct hyponatremia?

Answer 40

0.9% sodium chloride

Question 41

What is the main complication of rapid correction?

Answer 41

Osmotic demyelination syndrome

Question 42

What role does hyperglycemia play in sodium balance?

Answer 42

It can cause a dilutional hyponatremia due to osmotic diuretics.

Question 43

How can psychogenic polydipsia affect sodium levels?

Answer 43

It can cause dilutional hyponatremia due to excessive water intake.

Question 44

What type of solution is 3% NaCl?

Answer 44

Hypertonic

Question 45

What condition is characterized by ADH deficiency leading to hypernatremia?

Answer 45

Diabetes Insipidus

Question 46

What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?

Answer 46

Daily weight

Question 47

What electrolyte imbalance may be caused by excessive sweating?

Answer 47

Hyponatremia

Question 48

What is the ECF sodium concentration in hypernatremia?

Answer 48

Greater than 145 mEq/L

Question 49

What symptom is a hallmark of hypernatremia

Answer 49

Intense thirst

Question 50

What IV fluid should be avoided in hypernatremia?

Answer 50

Hypertonic saline solutions Ike 3% NaCl

Question 51

What lab finding is common in SIADH-related hyponatremia?

Answer 51

Increased urine sodium(>20 mEq/L)

Question 52

What is the effect of ADH open urine concentration?

Answer 52

ADH increases urine concentration

Question 53

What is the normal range of serum sodium

Answer 53

136-145 mEq/L

Question 54

What is an expected serum osmolality in hypernatremia?

Answer 54

Greater than 300 mOsm/kg