Hypernatremia

Question 1

What is the normal range

for sodium level?

Answer 1

135–145 mEq/L

Question 2

What are the surgical

causes?

Answer 2

Inadequate hydration, diabetes insipidus,
diuresis, vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis,
tachypnea, iatrogenic (e.g., TPN)

Question 3

What are the signs/

symptoms?

Answer 3

Seizures, confusion, stupor, pulmonary or
peripheral edema, tremors, respiratory
paralysis

Question 4

What is the usual treatment
supplementation slowly over
days?

Answer 4

D5W, 1/4 NS, or 1/2 NS

Question 5

How fast should you lower

the sodium level in hypernatremia?

Answer 5

Guideline is <12 mEq/L per day

Question 6

What is the major complication
of lowering the sodium
level too fast?

Answer 6

Seizures (not central pontine

myelinolysis)