Causes of Electrolyte Imbalances
Causes of Electrolyte Imbalances ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with hyponatremia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a condition of low sodium concentration in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. Hyponatremia can result from excessive fluid intake, diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney disease.
Serum osmolality less than 280 mOsm/kg. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood. Osmolality reflects the body's ability to maintain fluid balance and hydration status. Hyponatremia causes a decrease in osmolality due to dilution of the blood by excess water.
Urine specific gravity less than 1.010. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. Specific gravity reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. Hyponatremia causes a decrease in specific gravity due to increased urine output and water excretion.
Urine sodium level greater than 20 mEq/L. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. Sodium excretion reflects the kidney's ability to regulate sodium balance and fluid volume. Hyponatremia causes an increase in urine sodium level due to impaired sodium reabsorption and increased sodium loss.
Serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L. This is not an expected finding of hyponatremia, but rather a finding of hyperkalemia, which is a condition of high potassium concentration in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate cardiac and neuromuscular function. Hyperkalemia can result from renal failure, acidosis, tissue injury, or medications that affect potassium excretion or shift.
Choice A reason:
Serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a condition of low sodium concentration in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. Hyponatremia can result from excessive fluid intake, diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney disease.
Choice B reason:
Serum osmolality less than 280 mOsm/kg. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood. Osmolality reflects the body's ability to maintain fluid balance and hydration status. Hyponatremia causes a decrease in osmolality due to dilution of the blood by excess water.
Choice C reason:
Urine specific gravity less than 1.010. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. Specific gravity reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. Hyponatremia causes a decrease in specific gravity due to increased urine output and water excretion.
Choice D reason:
Urine sodium level greater than 20 mEq/L. This is an expected finding of hyponatremia, which is a measure of the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. Sodium excretion reflects the kidney's ability to regulate sodium balance and fluid volume. Hyponatremia causes an increase in urine sodium level due to impaired sodium reabsorption and increased sodium loss.
Choice E reason:
Serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L. This is not an expected finding of hyponatremia, but rather a finding of hyperkalemia, which is a condition of high potassium concentration in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate cardiac and neuromuscular function. Hyperkalemia can result from renal failure, acidosis, tissue injury, or medications that affect potassium excretion or shift.