The patient has been running in a long-distance marathon on a very warm day. The patient complains of dizziness and nausea, and is taken to the hospital where she becomes lethargic. The serum sodium level is 125 mEq/L
What will be the best plan of the nurse?
1. Prepare to encourage the patient to drink fluids.
2. Prepare to administer normal saline intravenous (IV).
3. Prepare to administer 0.45% NaCl.
4. Prepare to provide a diet high in NaCl.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Hyponatremia is a serum sodium level less the 135 mEq/L. Hyponatremia caused by sodium loss may be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids containing salt, such as normal saline. 0.45% NaCl is a hypotonic solution and will further lower the serum sodium. The patient requires intravenous (IV) fluids at this point, not oral fluids. The patient requires intravenous (IV) fluids at this point, not foods high in NaCl.
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