SODIUM (NA+)

NORMAL/PANIC HYPERNATREMIA CAUSES OF HYPONATREMIA CAUSES OF

VALUE HYPERNATREMIA HYPONATREMIA
OTHER
INFORMATION
Normal adult: Elevated blood pressure Increased sodium intake: Increased pulse (tachycardia) Decreased sodium intake:
135-145 mEq/liter (hypertension) Excessive dietary intake of sodium Weak, thready peripheral Insufficient dietary intake
(135-145 Elevated pulse (tachycardia) or water pulses Deficient sodium in IV fluids
mmol/liter) Elevated temperature Excessive saline in IV therapy Flat neck veins N/G feeding with inadequate
Normal urine sodium: Elevated respiratory rate, Excessive infusion of isotonic IV Increased respiratory rate fluid
27-287 mEq/24 possible dyspnea solutions Decreased blood pressure Increased sodium loss:
hrs Increased body weight Decreased sodium loss: (hypotension) Addison's disease
(27-287 mmol/24 Bounding peripheral pulses Cushing's syndrome Decreased body weight Fever
hrs) Moist mucous membranes Hyperaldosteronism Thick, slurred speech Diarrhea
Panic (critical) values: Moist respiratory secretions Decreased water output due to Anorexia Vomiting
below120 Crackles in lungs on auscultation renal disease Nausea/Vomiting/abdominal Excessive use of diuretics
mEq/liter Fever Excessive body water loss: cramps Chronic renal insufficiency
above 160 mEq/liter Edema (may pit) Excessive sweating Oliguria Nephrotic syndrome
Dry skin Extensive burns Anuria Excessive body water gains:
Thirst Dehydration Lethargy/Malaise Excessive oral intake
Weakness Diabetes insipidus Headache Excessive IV water intake
Restlessness/agitation Osmotic diuresis Confusion CHF
Disorientation Other causes of increased water: Muscular twitching SIADH (Syndrome of
Delusions Azotemia Seizures inappropriate secretion of
Hallucinations Heart failure Coma ADH)
Lethargic when undisturbed Pulmonary edema Respiratory arrest Osmotic dilution
Irritable when stimulated Lactic acidosis Third-space losses of sodium:
Muscle irritability Long term administration of Ascites
Diminished or absent DTRs adrenocortidal hormones Peripheral edema
High pitched cry in infants Pleural effusion
Seizures Ileus or mechanical bowel
Coma (due to swelling of brain obstruction
cells) Hidden fluid in body cavities
Respiratory arrest due to
increased osmotic pressure

Sodium (Na+)
- MOST abundant cation (+) in the extracellular space
- the major ion of body water balance
- promotes neuromuscular function
- reflects the balance between dietary sodium intake and renal excretion