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2 Sodium Imbalances Free Online FlashCards

Study 2 Sodium Imbalances with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.

12 cards
01
Front

What does a blood sodium result reflect?

Back

A blood sodium result reflects the balance between sodium and water, not simply how much salt a person has eaten.

02
Front

What serum sodium level defines hyponatremia?

Back

Hyponatremia is a serum sodium below 135 mmol/L135\ \mathrm{mmol/L}.

03
Front

What serum sodium level defines hypernatremia?

Back

Hypernatremia is a serum sodium above 145 mmol/L145\ \mathrm{mmol/L}.

04
Front

How does hyponatremia affect brain cells?

Back

In hyponatremia, water tends to move into brain cells, which can cause them to swell.

05
Front

How does hypernatremia affect brain cells?

Back

In hypernatremia, water moves out of brain cells, causing them to shrink.

06
Front

What defines hypovolemic hyponatremia?

Back

Hypovolemic hyponatremia involves losses of both sodium and water, with greater sodium loss. Causes include vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, burns, and diuretics.

07
Front

What fluid-balance change occurs in euvolemic hyponatremia?

Back

Euvolemic hyponatremia occurs when total body water rises while total body sodium stays relatively unchanged; SIADH is one possible cause.

08
Front

What pattern defines hypervolemic hyponatremia?

Back

In hypervolemic hyponatremia, sodium and water both increase, but water increases more. Heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease are common associated conditions.

09
Front

Why can a rapid sodium fall be dangerous?

Back

A rapid sodium fall can cause severe symptoms even when the sodium result is not as low as in a gradual, chronic imbalance.

10
Front

Why must chronic hyponatremia be corrected cautiously?

Back

Overly rapid correction, especially of chronic hyponatremia, can cause osmotic demyelination and permanent neurologic injury. A commonly cited limit is a rise of no more than 8 mmol/L8\ \mathrm{mmol/L} in the first 24 hours; some patients need a stricter target.

11
Front

What imbalance usually causes hypernatremia?

Back

Hypernatremia usually reflects too little body water relative to sodium. Causes include limited water access, impaired thirst, fluid losses, excessive urine losses, and less commonly, excess sodium administration.

12
Front

Who may be especially vulnerable to hypernatremia?

Back

Older adults and people who depend on others for fluids may be especially vulnerable to hypernatremia.