#48 from Amie

48. Discuss the assessment needed for the client who is at risk for hyponatremia.

Those at risk for hyponatremia include patients who have experienced:
Burns
Vomiting and diarrhea
Use of diuretics ("water pills"), especially of the type known as thiazide diuretics
Certain kidney diseases
Liver cirrhosis
Congestive heart failure
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Assess clinical manifestations including lethargy, confusion, apprehension, muscle twitching, abdominal cramps, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, seizures, coma. View Lab findings: serum sodium below 135 mEq/L and serum osmolality below 280 mOsm/kg
Hyponatremia is associated with numerous medications. The patient's medication list should be examined for drugs known to cause hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia has been noted in patients with poor dietary intake who consume large amounts of beer (called beer potomania) and after use of the recreational drug N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (ie, MDMA or ecstasy).

from Amie