Nursing Intervention For Hyponatremic Patient

Hyponatremia Patient:

A normal sodium level is between 135- 145 mili equivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia is generally defined when the sodium in blood falls below 135mEq/L. Severe Hyponatremia is considered when the serum sodium level is less than 125mEq/L. Hyponatremia is frequently related to hypovolemia or fluid overload. Sharp nursing assessment skills and proper care can prove invaluable in the treatment of patients and the prevention of complications. This article has presented different key nursing interventions for hyponatremia patients which will be very useful for the nurses.

Nursing Intervention for Hyponatremic Patient:

There are various types of nursing intervention for hyponatremia patient, which are pointed out below:

1. Strictly maintain fluid intake and output of patient hourly.
2. Check weight every day to monitor the fluid volume status.
3. Monitor and observe skin turgor to identify dehydration and accurately record the state of hydration.
4. Monitor vital signs carefully and note respiratory rate and depth to identify pulmonary edema.
5. Check and monitor the hyponatremia patient for signs of edema and hypertension.
6. Monitor for signs of circulatory overload, as indicated
7. Ensure high sodium-containing food such as milk, meat, eggs, carrots, beets, and celery.
8. Ensure adequate dietary sodium intake of 90 to 250 mEq Day.
9. Monitor and observe for neuromuscular changes such as declining levels of consciousness, fatigue, and muscular weakness.
10. Give supplemental oxygen to lethargy or unconscious patient as needed.
11. Patients with sodium imbalances often are confused and act crazy. So ensure safety measures.
12. Maintain a quiet environment.
13. Keep the bed in a low locked position.
14. Keep side rails up to prevent falls.
15. Keep nurse call within reach and instruct patient to call a nurse for any assistance.
16. Carefully monitor hyponatremia patients for any sign of convulsion and notify a physician.
17. Take seizure precautions as ordered.
18. Monitor laboratory serum sodium levels to determine the effectiveness of IV fluids.
19. Administer prescribed medication as an order.
20. Carefully administer the 3% or 5% sodium-containing fluid by using an infusion pump as prescribed.
21. Monitor IV site for patency, signs of infiltration such as redness or irritation.
22. Identify the specific cause of hyponatremia such as sodium loss of fluid excess.
23. Give mouth care frequently as dry mouth and saliva production decreased.
24. Irrigate nasogastric tube with normal saline instead of plain water.
25. Prepare patient for dialysis as indicated.
26. Address acute life-threatening conditions and initiate supportive care.

Maria Mona

Maria Khatun Mona is a Founder and Editor of Nursing Exercise Blog. She is a Nursing and Midwifery Expert. Currently she is working as a Registered Nurse at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has great passion in writing different articles on Nursing and Midwifery. Mail her at “maria.mona023@gmail.com”