Which electrolyte abnormality is characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood?

Which electrolyte abnormality is characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (B)

Hypernatremia is the electrolyte abnormality characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood. Sodium is the main extracellular cation and helps regulate extracellular fluid volume and osmolality. When serum sodium rises above about 145 mEq/L, osmolality increases and water shifts out of brain cells, leading to neurological symptoms such as thirst, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases seizures or coma. In older adults, risk factors include decreased water intake, impaired thirst sensation, cognitive impairment, and conditions or medications that promote water loss or sodium gain (like fever, diarrhea, or diuretics). Management focuses on slowly correcting the water deficit and addressing the underlying cause, while avoiding rapid shifts that could cause cerebral edema. Hyponatremia refers to low sodium, while hypokalemia and hyperkalemia involve potassium, not sodium.

Hypernatremia is the electrolyte abnormality characterized by elevated sodium levels in the blood. Sodium is the main extracellular cation and helps regulate extracellular fluid volume and osmolality. When serum sodium rises above about 145 mEq/L, osmolality increases and water shifts out of brain cells, leading to neurological symptoms such as thirst, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases seizures or coma. In older adults, risk factors include decreased water intake, impaired thirst sensation, cognitive impairment, and conditions or medications that promote water loss or sodium gain (like fever, diarrhea, or diuretics). Management focuses on slowly correcting the water deficit and addressing the underlying cause, while avoiding rapid shifts that could cause cerebral edema. Hyponatremia refers to low sodium, while hypokalemia and hyperkalemia involve potassium, not sodium.