Hyponatremia

Linking Data to Wisdom In healthcare data is readily available. There are millions of studies attempting to prove or disprove any fact a health care provider can ask. Understanding how to apply and impart knowledge gained from data is one premise of nursing informatics. In the medical industry, the goal of data, knowledge and wisdom is to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of health care. The purpose of this paper is to use the extended Graves and Corcoran Metastructure model, which include wisdom, to ascertain whether available data concerning contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) can be utilized to validate a standard of care in one hospital’s pre-operative area. Preventative Measures The question of when and how to treat for possible contrast-induced nephropathy arose in the cardiac and vascular procedural areas last year, during a nationwide shortage of the intravenous drug Sodium Bicarbonate (Brinkley, 2013). CIN, a known clinical risk, is a drug-induced reaction that can occur when patient receive contrast dye for percutaneous arterial stenting (Motohiro, et al., 2011). Hospitals were asked to restrict the use of the drug to code blue situations, for the treatment of lactic acidosis (Brinkley, 2013). Hospital physicians and nurses were asked to assess if patients creatinine clearance values and history indicated the use of Sodium Bicarbonate (Brinkley, 2013). During this time, normal saline (NS) was offered by the pharmacy as a comparable substitute for…

Overdrinking and Hyponatremia Athletes, especially endurance athletes, are very cognoscente of fluid replenishment and maintaining a state of euhydration throughout both training and during competition. Despite this awareness that has reached levels of seemingly common knowledge, evidence is inconclusive on what is the best strategy for athletes and for general health purposes. Given the nature of the subject matter itself, most of the studies are either conducted on endurance athletes (as…

It can be presumed that their cause of death was hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a “low sodium level...condition in which the amount of sodium in the blood is lower than normal (Low Sodium Level: MedlinePlus).” For Jennifer, Cassandra, and James this sodium imbalance is caused by the over in-gestation of water which caused them to experience the clear symptoms which lead to their death. Their bodies couldn't handle the amount of water they consumed in such a short amount of time. “When sodium…

cause by water intoxication due to renal water retention leading to hyponatremia, urine that is too concentrated when serum osmolarity is very high. According to Huether & McCance (2012), Sign and symptom of SIADH depends on rate of development and severity of hyponetremia. In mild cases of hyponetremia, may or may not have any symptom. Norman sodium level in the blood is between 136 to 145 mEq/L. When this level drops from 140 to 130 mEq/L. some of the sign and symptoms may occur like…

Mild hyponatremia is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms in the patient including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, but may also include transient neurological symptoms such as gait disturbance and mild confusion (Sahay, M. & Sahay, R., 2014). Marathon runners are especially at risk for mild hyponatremia, This is because of the excessive amounts of water they consume in response to the ADH hormone being excreted because of their high amount of fluid loss (Sahay, M. & Sahay, R.,…

evaluation of patient Brittany Bluff’s suspected case of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when electrolyte levels fall too low in the bloodstream and causes cells in the body to swell with water, if the cells swell too much it can prove fatal. The preliminary diagnosis is supported by the abnormally low levels of sodium in Brittany’s blood, likely caused by taking ecstasy and over hydrating. This evaluation and research, performed by this paper could prove to be helpful in…

Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells (Mayo Clinic, 2015). When a person runs a long distance their blood is sent to their legs creating less blood flow to other organs such as the kidneys. People who drink too much water while taking part in marathons, ultramarathons, triathlons and other long-distance, high-intensity activities are at…

A college student has been brought into the hospital by her two friends, they claim she has potentially taken ecstasy. Brittany (patient) has several symptoms and shows some evidence of this claim. Taking a blood test and reviewing data shows that she has not taken ecstasy, but is actually suffering from hyponatremia. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium concentrations in the blood become to low. Brittany’s friends state she drank a lot of water to prevent a hangover. This is the main reason for her…

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is often a feared complication of overly aggressive correction of hyponatremia (defined as < 135 mEq/L).1 Current guidelines1,2,3 dictate a slow correction of sodium, generally not exceeding 8-10 mEq/24 hrs to prevent CPM.1 CPM is a non-inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by the loss of myelin in the base of the pons and carries a poor prognosis, often times resulting in death. We present a case in which an elderly gentleman was admitted for…

Hyponatremia Hyponatremia is when the amount of salt (sodium) in your blood is too low. When sodium levels are low, your cells absorb extra water and swell. The swelling happens throughout the body, but it mostly affects the brain. Severe brain swelling (cerebral edema), seizures, or coma can happen as a result. CAUSES This condition may be caused by: • Heart, kidney, or liver problems. • Thyroid problems. • Adrenal gland problems. • Metabolic conditions, such as Syndrome of…