Running head: ACID-BASE AND ELECTROLYTE CASE 1
STUDY
Acid-Base and Electrolyte Case Study
Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Grand Canyon University
NUR-614E
2022
, Running head: ACID-BASE AND ELECTROLYTE CASE 2
STUDY
Acid-Base and Electrolyte Case Study
The Abnormal Laboratory Findings
Patient is retaining water and has increased levels of sodium. Patient has hypernatremia-
confusion, altered mental status, Hypotension, patient dehydrated because of lack of food and
fluids for 2 days and dry mucous membranes. Hypernatremia will cause an increase in osmotic
concentration within the vascular system and fluid will be pulled from the cell and interstitial
fluid into the vascular volume to replace the fluid lost. In this case, water is moved by osmosis.
The osmotic pressure is greater within the vascular space due to the proportional increase in
sodium and fluid from the cells will be attracted by the osmotic gradient. This movement of
fluid from the cellular and interstitial compartment is responsible for the signs of dehydration
present when hypernatremia is caused by fluid loss.
Na: 147- Indicates Hypernatremia
When serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L, hypernatremia develops. It is a
hyperosmolar condition triggered by reduced body water levels due to water loss or an acute
sodium gain. Sodium is found largely in the extracellular fluid (ECF), with fluid dehydration
occurring in both ICF and ECF. The normal sodium serum level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.
Hypernatremia is triggered by impaired thirst, limited access to water, fever-related water loss,
and respiratory tract infections, all of which increase lung water loss (McCance & Huether,
2014). Community-acquired hypernatremia occurs in mentally and physically impaired elderly
individuals who are mostly associated with an acute infection. Hypernatremia may also develop
STUDY
Acid-Base and Electrolyte Case Study
Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Grand Canyon University
NUR-614E
2022
, Running head: ACID-BASE AND ELECTROLYTE CASE 2
STUDY
Acid-Base and Electrolyte Case Study
The Abnormal Laboratory Findings
Patient is retaining water and has increased levels of sodium. Patient has hypernatremia-
confusion, altered mental status, Hypotension, patient dehydrated because of lack of food and
fluids for 2 days and dry mucous membranes. Hypernatremia will cause an increase in osmotic
concentration within the vascular system and fluid will be pulled from the cell and interstitial
fluid into the vascular volume to replace the fluid lost. In this case, water is moved by osmosis.
The osmotic pressure is greater within the vascular space due to the proportional increase in
sodium and fluid from the cells will be attracted by the osmotic gradient. This movement of
fluid from the cellular and interstitial compartment is responsible for the signs of dehydration
present when hypernatremia is caused by fluid loss.
Na: 147- Indicates Hypernatremia
When serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L, hypernatremia develops. It is a
hyperosmolar condition triggered by reduced body water levels due to water loss or an acute
sodium gain. Sodium is found largely in the extracellular fluid (ECF), with fluid dehydration
occurring in both ICF and ECF. The normal sodium serum level is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.
Hypernatremia is triggered by impaired thirst, limited access to water, fever-related water loss,
and respiratory tract infections, all of which increase lung water loss (McCance & Huether,
2014). Community-acquired hypernatremia occurs in mentally and physically impaired elderly
individuals who are mostly associated with an acute infection. Hypernatremia may also develop
