CHAPTER 11 Fluids and Electrolytes^423
- Nausea
- Diarrhea due to increased gastrointestinal motility
- Increased bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility
- Malaise or excessive activity
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes
- Personality changes due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure
- Altered level of consciousness
- Seizure
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- A blood serum sodium level < 135 mEq/L (normal sodium level is 135 to
145 mEq/L). - Spot urine for sodium level.
TREATMENT
- Water restriction.
- Administer saline solution IV if patient has fluid deficit (hypovolemic).
- Furosemide if fluid-overloaded.
- Treat underlying cause to correct problem.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Deficient fluid volume
- Excess fluid volume
- Risk for disturbed thought processes
- Decreased cardiac output
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Record fluid intake and output to monitor fluid status.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Weigh patient daily.