I've seen severe hyponatremia in one of my people recently. The more severe symptoms (confusion, short-term memory loss, sudden falls) developed over a week or two, but may have been building for much longer. I learned that it is important to restore sodium levels slowly, so that the body can make appropriate adjustments. Otherwise more severe brain damage can occur.
40hrs on a slow saline drip made a world of difference, bringing sodium levels up but not all the way. Advised to eat more salt, sodium eventually came up to where it should be.
Other symptoms improved too - including a distressing combination of urinary frequency and retention, and associated sleep deprivation.
I appreciate our hospital, again.
40hrs on a slow saline drip made a world of difference, bringing sodium levels up but not all the way. Advised to eat more salt, sodium eventually came up to where it should be.
Other symptoms improved too - including a distressing combination of urinary frequency and retention, and associated sleep deprivation.
I appreciate our hospital, again.
