Imbalances in sodium are common and precarious findings in the acute care setting, but just trying to restore equilibrium between sodium and water may not manage the underlying cause. This CE offering provides information on the “natremias,” as well as the various subtypes and common causes of these conditions. This discussion also covers diagnostic findings and treatment for conditions commonly associated with fluid imbalance, such as SIADH and diabetes insipidus.
This presentation will give you direct, clear means of diagnosing the various subtypes of hyponatremia and hypernatremia, as well as strategies to safely get sodium abnormalities under control in the acute care setting. After completing this discussion, you will have a better understanding of how to determine the nature of the patient’s sodium imbalance, how to manage it, and how to start addressing the reason for the imbalance.