Multiple choice

Hypernatremia is defined by an elevated sodium level in the blood. Which of the following is NOT associated with hypernatremia?

  1. A rise in plasma osmolality

  2. Loss of body water

  3. Inadequate urinary concentration

  4. Increased neurological irritability

  5. A good response to treatment by fluid restriction
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The basic problem is usually loss of water, treatment is usually with careful replacement of this loss. As with hyponatremia, it is important not to replace the loss too quickly. This is because the cells make compensatory changes during hyperosmolar conditions and a sudden change can be dangerous as the cells do not have time to readjust back to normal. The best way to prevent this is to keep checking the plasma sodium to ensure that it is not changing too quickly.

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