What it means
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) tells the kidneys to keep water. In this condition it is released when the body does not need it, so water builds up and dilutes the blood, lowering the sodium level (hyponatremiahy-poh-nuh-TREE-mee-uhA blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.hypo- belownatr sodium (from its Latin name, natrium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ). Causes include head injury, brain and lung disease, some lung cancers, and drugs such as some antidepressants and seizure drugs. It is the opposite of diabetes insipidus.
For the nurse
Weigh the client daily, track intake and output, and watch the sodium level and mental status. Fluid restriction is a common treatment; use seizure precautions when the sodium is very low.
At a glance
| Also written | SIADH |
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Related terms
intake and output
The measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.