Hypernatremia
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
An elevation in serum sodium concentration above 145 mEq/L, indicating a state of cellular dehydration and relative water deficit.
Hypernatremia in plain English
Poses a significant risk to neurologic integrity; however, correction must be slow to prevent the catastrophic shift of fluid into brain cells. The tempting mistake is attempting to correct sodium levels too rapidly, which can lead to cerebral edema and irreversible neurological damage.
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