K.N.O.W. Home Health - HYPERNATREMIA

HYPERNATREMIA

What is Hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia means there is too much sodium (salt) in your blood. Sodium is a mineral that helps your body keep the right balance of water, helps your muscles work, and helps your nerves send signals. But too much sodium can cause problems with your body’s water balance and make you very sick.

What Causes Hypernatremia?

Not drinking enough water or being very dehydrated
Losing too much water through sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting
Certain medicines that affect water or salt balance
Kidney problems that cause the body to hold too much sodium
Eating too much salt or salty foods, especially if you don’t drink enough fluids
Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or hormonal problems

Symptoms of Hypernatremia

Feeling very thirsty
Dry mouth and sticky tongue
Weakness or feeling tired
Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
Muscle twitching or spasms
Seizures or loss of consciousness in severe cases

Risks of Hypernatremia

Damage to the brain because of water moving out of brain cells
Seizures or coma in severe cases
Problems with the heart and muscles
Dehydration, which can make other health problems worse

Special Diet and Precautions

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, unless your doctor tells you not to
Avoid eating too much salty or processed food
Follow your doctor’s advice about salt intake if you have kidney or heart problems
Take medicines exactly as prescribed
Monitor for symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call if you have:

Increased thirst or dry mouth
Feeling confused or weak
Muscle twitching or cramps
Any new or worsening symptoms that concern you
Trouble drinking fluids or vomiting

Go to the Emergency Room Immediately If You Have:

Seizures or convulsions
Loss of consciousness or difficulty waking up
Severe confusion or hallucinations
Trouble breathing or chest pain

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: WRITE “True” or “False” for each statement. If the statement is false, write the correct information on the line provided.

___ True / False Hypernatremia means there is too much sodium in the blood.
___ True / False Sodium helps keep the right balance of water in the body.
___ True / False Drinking plenty of water can help prevent hypernatremia.
___ True / False Sweating a lot or vomiting can cause hypernatremia.
___ True / False Eating a lot of salty foods has no effect on sodium levels.
___ True / False Feeling very thirsty can be a symptom of hypernatremia.
___ True / False Muscle twitching or spasms can happen when sodium is too high.
___ True / False Confusion is not related to hypernatremia.
___ True / False Too much sodium can cause brain damage in severe cases.
___ True / False People with kidney problems need to watch their salt intake.
___ True / False You should always follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and diet.
___ True / False Seizures can be a serious sign of hypernatremia.
___ True / False You don’t need to call your healthcare provider if you feel very thirsty.
___ True / False Dry mouth and weakness can be signs of high sodium.
___ True / False Drinking salty drinks is a good way to prevent dehydration.
___ True / False You should go to the ER if you have trouble breathing or chest pain.
___ True / False Vomiting or diarrhea can lead to hypernatremia.
___ True / False Loss of consciousness means you should seek emergency care.
___ True / False Hypernatremia can make heart and muscle problems worse.
___ True / False Drinking fluids is always safe, no matter what your health condition is.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed extreme thirst, dry mouth, confusion, dizziness, or muscle twitching that could be related to high sodium levels?

Activity Impact / Safety:
2. Are you feeling too weak, confused, or unsteady to safely do your normal daily activities?

Treatment Adherence:
3. Have you been able to follow your doctor’s instructions, such as taking medications, drinking the recommended amount of fluids, or following any diet changes?

Preventive Measures:
4. What steps are you taking to prevent sodium levels from rising, such as avoiding high-sodium foods, reading labels, and following fluid intake recommendations?

Additional Information (labs):
5. Do you know when your next blood tests are scheduled to check sodium levels and why it is important to keep these appointments?