why does hyponatremia cause hyperactive bowel sounds?

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

The question asked in your post does not match the question in your title.

ava_eureka · Mar 7, 2009

the content in your question doesnt jive...........anyway, in certain cases, the two are related. there is what you call hypotonic overhydration----over dilution of electrolytes (Na, K, and such.) but the most useful way of determining the difference is looking at the pathophysiology of the two. with fluid overload, there would bounding pulses, increased BP, and and cough/dyspnea caused by pulmonary edema. remember that the blood vessels have different pressures that act upon it. oncotic pressure (from albumin) and hydrostatic pressure. since there is excess fluid, the ratio of albumin in blood vessels is lower, making the hydrostatic pressure increase---- causing the fluids to go into the spaces... in this case the lungs.... but with hyponatremia, symptoms vary with with changes in vascular volume. so if there is more fluid, there would be a lower ratio of sodium in it. if there is less, a higher concentration of sodium.

it seems i didnt answer your question... anyway, what im trying to say is that since sodium is responsible for water balance, its signs and symptoms greatly vary according to the fluid volume in the body, (normovolemic, hypervolomic, hypovolemic).... hope i got to answer it. though its still a bit vague, i found that the study of the pathophysioogy of the two and physiology of the tissues involved would greatly help to figure out the signs and symptoms and how to intervene.....:) im still also trying to figure certain things out.... :smiletea2:

strugglingnurse · Mar 7, 2009

I think the questions is pretty straightforward. Most books list hyperactive bowel sounds as a symptoms of hyponateremia. How does hyponatremia cause this symptom? I wish I knew the answer....

ava_eureka · Mar 7, 2009

good you edited your question to match the title.... that happened to me too but i didnt change it. i just said that i made i mistake..... okay.... try to look at the uses of sodium... Small amounts are needed to maintain blood pressure and normal function of muscle contraction and conduction of nerve impulses. .... also look at the process of osmosis. fluid moves from a lower concentration to a higher concentration. since there is hyponatremia (low concentration of sodium in the blood), the body will try to even up the ratio, so the fluid might move into the digestive tract. this movement may cause the increased peristalsis (for excretion).... just trying to look at every angle of the disorder...... im not quite sure but hope this helps..:)

Freedom42 · Mar 7, 2009

Interesting puzzle. Is there more context to this question that you can provide us with? Are you studying for NCLEX?

Nothing in my text books or other references at hand lists hyperactive bowel sounds as s/s of hyponatremia. I'm wondering if more context would suggest you are pondering a question about aldosterone.

ava_eureka · Mar 7, 2009

try this link. it might help. http://www.imperial.edu/~nursing/ts/Web%20Documents/Web%20Documents/NURS%20110%20Fluids%20and%20Electrolytes%20and%20Acid%20Base%20Part%20I.htm

GOMER42 · Mar 8, 2009

What are all of these questions that you've been posting lately for?

They smell of homework.

mashamontago · Mar 8, 2009

its not homework. i am getting questions from a NCLEX book called saunders.

i'm answering questions and i don't get the rationale behind them in the book.

kia2974 · Mar 8, 2009

Remember that hyponatremia causes diarrhea, and stomach cramping which will cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Don't try to read too deeply into the questions, try to remember signs and symptoms of the major electrolyte imbalances. Hope this helps!

Freedom42 · Mar 8, 2009

Hyponatremia is the result of diarrhea, not the cause.

loricatus · Mar 8, 2009

its not homework. i am getting questions from a NCLEX book called saunders.
i'm answering questions and i don't get the rationale behind them in the book.

Doesn't saunders give you some references to study up on things you are having difficutly with?

The best way to succeed would be to learn the research skills necessary to find the answers to things you don't understand.

I only say this because I see from all your posts that you are seriously struggling and have mentioned that you want to get out of nursing and go to a business major.

If you don't master the way to solve problems on your own and only use forums like this for the occasional clarification, then you will have difficulties no matter which major you try.

I do not say this to be mean. I am really trying to help you to see what you have to do to help yourself.

:igtsyt:Now, I have to get this off my chest: I also noticed that in all your posts, lots of people have gone out of their way to provide you with a great deal of help, advise and information; yet, you do not seem to appreciate everyone's effort because I didn't see any mention of thanks (although I did not look at all the posts). Thanking people for help is the courteous thing to do:twocents: