NUR 641E Week 3 Assignment Acid-based and Electrolyte Case Study

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NUR 641E Week 3 Assignment Acid-based and Electrolyte Case Study.The Abnormal Laboratory Findings Patient is retaining water and has increased levels of sodium. Patient has hypernatremia- confusi... on, altered mental status, Hypotension, patient dehydrated because of lack of food and fluids for 2 days and dry mucous membranes. Hypernatremia will cause an increase in osmotic concentration within the vascular system and fluid will be pulled from the cell and interstitial fluid into the vascular volume to replace the fluid lost. In this case, water is moved by osmosis. The osmotic pressure is greater within the vascular space due to the proportional increase in sodium and fluid from the cells will be attracted by the osmotic gradient. This movement of fluid from the cellular and interstitial compartment is responsible for the signs of dehydration present when hypernatremia is caused by fluid loss. Na: 147- Indicates Hypernatremia When serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L, hypernatremia develops. It is a hyperosmolar condition triggered by reduced body water levels due to water loss or an acute sodium gain. Sodium is found largely in the extracellular fluid (ECF), with fluid dehydration occurring in both ICF and ECF. The normal sodium serum level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is triggered by impaired thirst, limited access to water, fever-related water loss, and respiratory tract infections, all of which increase lung water loss (McCance & Huether, 2014). Community-acquired hypernatremia occurs in mentally and physically impaired elderly individuals who are mostly associated with an acute infection. Hypernatremia may also develop [Show More]

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