putting the pieces together

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Hello allnurses!

Im a new nursing student and have a question concerning hyponatremia... if a pt has hyponatremia, would they be at risk for developing hypervolemia? Thanks for the input, Im sure you will see me alot on here!:D

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Poor baby - no one responded yet. I'll give it a go

You're on the right track, but confusing cause & effect. Hyponatremia means that serum sodium is low. This can be due to either of two reasons: 1. Excreting too much sodium (renal dysfunction) or 2. (more likely) Existing sodium has been excessively diluted by hypervolemia due to intake>output

Excessive intake of free water - IV or oral - along with fluid retention associated with 3rd spacing, CHF, etc, are common causes of hyponatremia (#2 above). So - hypervolemia would cause hyponatremia, not the other way around.

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thanx HouTx :) that makes sense!

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