What possible finding indicates hypernatremia?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a specific finding that indicates the condition hypernatremia, which refers to elevated sodium levels in the blood. The response should identify which of the provided options correctly correlates with this condition.
Answer
Elevated serum sodium concentration >145 mEq/L indicates hypernatremia.
A possible finding indicating hypernatremia is an elevated serum sodium concentration, specifically greater than 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Answer for screen readers
A possible finding indicating hypernatremia is an elevated serum sodium concentration, specifically greater than 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
More Information
Hypernatremia is often associated with symptoms such as excessive thirst, lethargy, confusion, restlessness, and irritability. It occurs when water loss exceeds sodium loss, leading to concentrated levels of sodium in the blood.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the symptoms of hypernatremia with other conditions that cause fatigue and thirst. It's essential to measure serum sodium to confirm hypernatremia.
Sources
- Hypernatremia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Hypernatremia: Causes, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today - medicalnewstoday.com
- Hypernatremia: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology - Medscape - emedicine.medscape.com
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