Hypernatremia

Topic: Medical-surgical

Serum sodium above 145 mEq/L, nearly always a relative water deficit: water loss through fever, diarrhea or diabetes insipidus, or too little intake, especially in infants and in older or dependent people who cannot reach water or do not feel thirst. Water leaves the brain cells, causing thirst, restlessness, confusion, lethargy and seizures. Monitor neurological status, intake and output, daily weight and serum sodium, and offer water to clients who cannot get it themselves. Correct chronic hypernatremia slowly; rapid correction can cause cerebral edema.

Also known as:

High sodium

In Turkish:

Hipernatremi