Low sodium blood levels

whichway · May 19, 2011

water follows sodium. where the sodium is, goes the water. Think of sodium as the magnet for water. The two are hooked up. That's why heart patients are given low salt diets. Salt= fluid More fluid equals increase BP

Darkpk55 · May 19, 2011

So even if there is less sodium in extracellular fluid, the water in the intracellular fluid goes there?? Are you sure? I dont think it follows it all the time.

prospectivepville · May 19, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3t8gtN-Wfk This may help you understand it more!

I'm not sure if this explains it, but the way it works is, if there is an area of greater concentration of salt outside of the blood stream, in the extracellular fluid, then water wants to follow salt from the intracellular fluid out.

That's why kidney's are naturally salty, to draw water out, and to conserve water, because that's hard earned fluid, it takes energy to consume more water.

Also, when you're dehydrated, often times your blood pressure is low, this can be extremely bad, as a blood pressure that is too low can deprive certain cells from receiving enough oxygen.

However, salt has a purpose in the blood, although excess salts can be unnecessary, cause a retention of fluid in the body, increase blood pressure, also the opposite may be true. Hyponatremia is basically water poisoning, diluting sodium in the body.

Remember when taking any Anatomy and Physiology classes or any class really, youtube can be your best friend. Other professors with different teaching styles can help so much!

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 19, 2011

If you have low sodium blood levels, how is homeostasis maintained?
Osmosis and diffusion?
Water will travel into the cell?
Sodium in cells will move out to the bloodstream?

This sounds like homework....we are happy to help, as long as you show effort that you have tried to answer this problem yourself.

This is a question so basic, that to be honest, it is clear you haven't researched it...at all.

Darkpk55 · May 19, 2011

I understand it. Im just asking if both occur.

leenak · May 19, 2011

One thing you can think about is the cell membrane.

Can water readily pass through a cell membrane? (yes or no)

Can large polar ions pass readily through a cell membrane? (yes or no)

That would basically give you your answer.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 19, 2011

This sounds like homework....we are happy to help, as long as you show effort that you have tried to answer this problem yourself.
This is a question so basic, that to be honest, it is clear you haven't researched it...at all.

I didn't read it as them wanting it done for them. Sounds like they are needing clarification.

blackberrie_281 · May 19, 2011

Ill give you a free pass...

If you have low sodium blood levels, how is homeostasis maintained?

Osmosis and diffusion? Homeostasis is maintained by water and solute movement, therefore by osmosis and diffusion, respectfully...this is the simple, short answer btw.

Water will travel into the cell? Yes. If the ECF is hypotonic, water will move into the ICF because the fluid there is more concentrated with solutes by comparison. Thus, the cell will swell and could rupture

(lyse).

Sodium in cells will move out to the bloodstream? Yes, the solute, in this case sodium, will move out of the ICF and into the bloodstream.

MelissaLPN, ASN, LPN, RN · May 19, 2011

hyponatriemia should result in the release of aldosterone to keep na. This should lead to concentrating blood to equalize sodium levels. This should cause decrease blood volume= lower bp.

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · May 20, 2011

How will homeostasis be maintained? Almost by definition, it isn't, that is why hyponatremia is abnormal and dangerous. Sodium is not stored by the body, therefore more needs to be taken in (relative to water) to restore homeostasis. Yes, as someone said, it is "water poisoning".