Wk 9: Urea + electrolytes (Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea + creatine) Flashcards
1
Q
What are the causes of hypernatraemia?
A
Water depletion:
- Loss of water in excess sodium
- Dec fluid intake
Inc sodium intake/retention:
- Mineralocorticoid excess
- Med
- Renal failure
2
Q
What are the signs + symptoms of hypernatraemia?
A
- Dry skin
- Postural hypo
- Oliguria
- Confusion
- Thirst
- Coma (>155mmol/L)
3
Q
What drugs are associated w/ increased sodium?
A
- Corticosteroids
- NSAIDs
- Laxatives
- Lithium
4
Q
What is the management of hypernatraemia?
A
Treat cause
Replace body water:
- Orally (mild)
- IV: dextrose 5%w/v (mod/severe)
5
Q
What are the symptoms of Mild/moderate hyponatremia?
A
- Mild:130-135mmol/L
- Moderate:121-129mmol/L
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
6
Q
What are the symptoms of severe hyponatraemia?
A
- <120mmol/L
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory arrest
- Anorexia
- Oedema
7
Q
What are the potential causes of hyponatraemia?
A
- Mineralocorticoid deficiency
- Abnormal loss of sodium (diarrhoea, DKA)
- Alcohol excess
- Severe burns
- Malnutrition
8
Q
Give examples of medication that causes hyponatraemia
A
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- ACE
- Sulphonylurea
- PPI
9
Q
What is the management of hyponatraemia?
A
- Correct cause
Mild-mod:
- Slow sodium 4-8 tabs
Severe:
-IV NaCL
10
Q
During hyponatremia, why are the levels increased slowly + not too quickly?
A
Risk of osmotic demyelination
