For a client with a low serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L, what key information should the practical nurse (PN) gather to understand the cause?

For a client with a low serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L, what key information should the practical nurse (PN) gather to understand the cause?

• A. The amount of ice chips and water consumed daily
• B. Frequency of urination
• C. Types of food consumed
• D. Duration of symptoms

Answer: (A)

To assess a client with a low serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L, gathering information about the amount of ice chips and water consumed daily is crucial because it relates directly to the client’s fluid balance and potential dilutional hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can occur when there is an excess of water relative to sodium in the body, which can frequently result from fluid overload due to excessive intake of water, especially if the client has been consuming large amounts of fluids without adequate sodium replacement. While the other factors—such as frequency of urination, types of food consumed, and duration of symptoms—may provide some insights regarding the client’s overall health and dietary habits, they do not directly address the potential for dilutional effects related to fluid intake. Understanding fluid consumption patterns highlights whether the client might be overhydrating, contributing to the observed low sodium levels.

To assess a client with a low serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L, gathering information about the amount of ice chips and water consumed daily is crucial because it relates directly to the client’s fluid balance and potential dilutional hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can occur when there is an excess of water relative to sodium in the body, which can frequently result from fluid overload due to excessive intake of water, especially if the client has been consuming large amounts of fluids without adequate sodium replacement.

While the other factors—such as frequency of urination, types of food consumed, and duration of symptoms—may provide some insights regarding the client’s overall health and dietary habits, they do not directly address the potential for dilutional effects related to fluid intake. Understanding fluid consumption patterns highlights whether the client might be overhydrating, contributing to the observed low sodium levels.