99: Hyponatremia: How Did It Happen and Why Is It So Challenging To Treat?

Treating hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, can be both complicated and quite risky.. Disruptions to the delicate balance of sodium in the body can lead to a spectrum of outcomes, from an asymptomatic presentation to life-threatening seizures, coma, and death.

Through the patient story of Mrs. Saltman, host Sarah Lorenzini explains the role of sodium in the body, breaking down the science of osmosis and electrolytes so nurses can better understand the causes of hyponatremia. She goes over the three levels of hyponatremia that are categorized by blood tonicity and volume status, and how each level impacts the diagnosis and management of hyponatremia.

Sarah also dives into the nuances of treating hyponatremia, including the risks of rapid sodium correction, the importance of knowing a patient’s baseline, the underlying cause of their condition, and more.

This episode will provide nurses with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs of hyponatremia and navigate the risks of treatment. Tune in now!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Mrs. Saltman’s case
• The pathophysiology of hyponatremia
• Causes of hyponatremia
• Types of hyponatremia: hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic
• Hyponatremia treatment strategies and their risks

Mentioned in this episode:

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