Hypernatremia
Ninja Nerd・2 minutes read
Hypernatremia is defined by elevated serum sodium levels above 145 Milli equivalents per liter, primarily caused by significant water loss or increased sodium intake. Treatment involves accurately calculating the free water deficit and replenishing water through enteral or IV routes while avoiding rapid drops in serum sodium levels to prevent complications like cerebral edema.
Insights
- Hypernatremia is defined by high serum sodium levels above 145 Milli equivalents per liter, primarily caused by significant water loss or increased sodium intake.
- Understanding the causes of water loss and sodium gain is crucial in diagnosing and managing hypernatremia effectively, with distinctions between renal and extra-renal water loss aiding in diagnosis.
- Treating hypernatremia involves accurately calculating the free water deficit and replenishing it through enteral or IV routes, while monitoring serum sodium levels to prevent rapid drops and addressing underlying causes like diuretic use or hyperglycemia for optimal management.
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Recent questions
What is hypernatremia?
High serum sodium levels exceeding 145 mEq/L.