Summary and Reflection on the Article Hyponatremia Caused by Polydipsia

807 Words2 Pages

Article Review for “Hyponatremia Caused by Polydipsia

Summary

Hyponatremia is described as a serum sodium level that is anything less than 135mEq/L and is the most common occurring electrolyte disorder today (Chamberlain, 2012). In most cases, hyponatremia occurs due to an imbalance of water rather than sodium (Hinkle & Cheever, 2014). Symptoms and their severity are related to how quickly the condition develops and the degree of cerebral edema that results from the low serum level of sodium. Symptoms of hyponatremia include poor skin turgor, dry mucosa, headache, decreased saliva production, orthostatic drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. Neurologic changes can also manifest themselves in altered mental status, status epilepticus, and coma; which may be to related to cellular swelling and cerebral edema (Hinkle & Cheever, 2014). The severity of these symptoms is related to how quickly the condition develops and the degree of cerebral edema that occurs (Chamberlain, 2012).

Hypertonic saline and vasopressin receptor antagonists are very effective treatments for severe hyponatremia, but special care must be taken to avoid rapid restoration of sodium levels. Restoring sodium levels should be a slow, steady process to prevent severe complications that could result in mortality if sodium levels are not monitored closely. Cerebral effects can be treated through high-risk medications and fluid restriction to help restore electrolyte imbalance. It is the responsibility of the nurse to closely monitor serum sodium levels, intake and output, and assess for neurological changes. By closely monitoring the patient, the nurse and the collaborative healthcare team can safely ensure the return to n...

... middle of paper ...

...s a full understanding of all interventions and the rationale behind them. With the help of the collaborative healthcare team, the fully knowledgeable nurse can assist in returning to the patient to a completely normal functioning state and fluid status. Education is key at this point, the nurse must be able to educate the patient and provide the tools needed to hopefully prevent another occurrence. The role of the nurse can be very influential in the full recovery of the patient with hyponatremia if they have the knowledge and the tools that are needed to facilitate it.

References

Chamberlain, L. (2012). Hyponatremia Caused by Polydipsia. Critical Care Nurse, 32(3), e11-e20. doi:10.4037/ccn2012173

Hinkle, J., Cheever, K.(2014). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of Medical-Surgical nursing

(13th ed.) Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Open Document