In hypernatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too high. Hypernatremia involves dehydration, which can have many causes, including not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and diuretics. Mainly,
people are thirsty, and if hypernatremia worsens, they may become confused or have muscle twitches and seizures. Blood tests are done to measure the sodium level. Usually, fluids are given intravenously to slowly reduce the sodium level in the blood.
Insufficient water intake usually plays an important role. Hypernatremia typically causes thirst. The most serious symptoms of hypernatremia result from brain dysfunction. Severe hypernatremia can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and death.
The diagnosis is based on blood tests indicating that the sodium level is high.
Hypernatremia is treated by replacing fluids. In all but the mildest cases, dilute fluids (containing water and a small amount of sodium in carefully adjusted concentrations) are given intravenously. The sodium level in blood is reduced slowly because reducing the level too rapidly can cause permanent brain damage. CLICK HERE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL VERSION  Copyright © 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. What happens when you have hypernatremia?What happens during hypernatremia? Hypernatremia causes water to move from the tissues into the bloodstream, which can cause the cells to shrink. It also causes changes in hormone levels to regulate the amount of sodium, which results in increased thirst and concentrated urine.
What is the most common cause of hypernatremia?Although hypernatremia is most often due to water loss, it can also be caused by the intake of salt without water or the administration of hypertonic sodium solutions [3]. (See 'Sodium overload' below.) Hypernatremia due to water depletion is called dehydration.
Can hypernatremia cause confusion?The most serious symptoms of hypernatremia result from brain dysfunction. Severe hypernatremia can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and death.
When does hypernatremia occur?Hypernatremia: Too Much Sodium
This can happen when too much water is lost or too much sodium is gained (or accumulated) in the body. Doctors define hypernatremia as a measurement of over 145 milliequivalents per liter — a normal level is considered between 136—145 milliequivalents per liter.
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Which signs and symptoms does the nurse expect to see in a client who has mild hypernatremia?
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