Hypernatremia and diarrhea?

[ZanatuBelmont]

I am reviewing for a test over fluids and electrolytes. I can't figure out why diarrhea causes hypernatremia... I connect water loss when I think of diarrhea, which would result in a loss, not an excess. What am I missing? Is water drained from the body so fast via diarrhea that sodium can't keep up?

[dblpn]

if there is a high loss of water in the body, in this case diarrhea, there will be a higher concentration of sodium left behind.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

It depends on the consistency of the diarrhea. Hypernatremia occurs primarily when someone has diarrhea that is watery. Diarrhea can also be loose, unformed stool which will not have as much water content and the person may become hyponatremic.

[ZanatuBelmont]

It depends on the consistency of the diarrhea. Hypernatremia occurs primarily when someone has diarrhea that is watery. Diarrhea can also be loose, unformed stool which will not have as much water content and the person may become hyponatremic.

Thanks, that makes sense.

I'm using symbols and phrases to help me remember signs and symptoms. One I came up with is:

S/S HYPERNATREMIA:

The Damn Dogs Favor Rough Love

Thirst; Dry, sticky mucous membranes; Decreased urine output; Fever; Rough, dry tongue; Lethargy

:-)

For HYPOnatremia, I came up with:

Mimics parasympathetic, but the heart disagrees:

Mental confusion

Muscle weakness

Restlessness

Elevated body temperature

Personality changes

Nausea, Vomiting

Anorexia

Tachycardia

[ladynurse1]

My rationale is that this person could be losing potassium in their stool which would cause hypernatremia. Potassium and sodium go hand in hand. If potassium is lost in the stool some how, then there would possibly be a high sodium level. Potassium and sodium balance each other. If potassium is lost in the stool, then sodium levels would be high and vice versa.