Word parts
What it means
Too little sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry in the blood, often because there is too much water for the amount of sodium. It can come from vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, drinking large amounts of plain water, or the body holding on to water. Because water moves into brain cells and makes them swell, the main signs are in the brain: headache, confusion, and in severe cases seizures and coma.
For the nurse
Check mental status, watch for seizures and keep the client safe from falls. Measure intake and output and daily weight. Correction is done slowly as ordered, because raising the sodium too fast can damage the brain. Report a falling level or new confusion.
Remember it
Hypo is low: low sodium, swollen brain cells.
At a glance
| Spanish | hiponatremia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hyponatraemia, hyponatremic |
Easy to confuse with
hypernatremia
A blood sodium level above normal, over 145 mEq/L.
Related terms
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.