Tag: Hypernatremia

While it may seem intuitive to use common intravenous fluids like normal saline (NS) or lactated Ringer’s (LR) to treat hypernatremia, neither is the primary choice for correcting the elevated sodium level. The therapeutic strategy depends heavily on the patient's volume status and requires a different approach using hypotonic solutions to safely restore fluid balance and lower sodium levels.

An estimated 90% of hospitalized patients in the United States receive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy during their stay. The critical question of **how to decide which IV fluid to give** requires a systematic approach based on the patient's underlying condition, electrolyte status, and specific fluid requirements.

Sodium chloride is a vital electrolyte, but its administration can pose risks in certain situations. It is critical for maintaining fluid balance, but for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, knowing when should you not use sodium chloride is essential to prevent severe complications like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances.

Studies show that medication is a not-infrequent contributing factor to elevated sodium levels (hypernatremia) in hospitalized patients. This raises a critical question: Can medication cause high sodium levels and, if so, which ones? The answer is yes, as certain drugs can interfere with fluid balance or introduce excess sodium into the body.

An estimated 30% to 50% of people with hypertension are salt sensitive, meaning sodium chloride intake can significantly increase their blood pressure [1.5.7]. This highlights why understanding who should not take sodium chloride, especially in medical formulations, is critical for patient safety.

According to the World Health Organization, oral rehydration therapy has drastically reduced child mortality from diarrhea worldwide. However, misuse can cause complications, so understanding **what are the side effects of ORS** is vital for safe and effective treatment.

While highly effective for improving airway clearance in certain respiratory conditions, up to one-third of cystic fibrosis patients in some studies report experiencing side effects from nebulized 7% hypertonic saline. Understanding **what are the side effects of 7% hypertonic saline** is critical for safe and effective use, whether for respiratory treatment or other medical applications.

Medication-induced hyponatremia, or low sodium, is estimated to affect between 10% and 30% of hospitalized patients. A wide array of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, from common diuretics to antidepressants, can significantly alter the body's sodium balance. Understanding what medications affect sodium levels is crucial for managing patient health and preventing serious complications.