Etymed
hypernatremia
Definition
A medical condition characterized by elevated sodium concentration in the blood
Clinical context
A 6-month-old infant presents with irritability, seizures, and decreased consciousness over the past 24 hours. The child has been exclusively breastfed but has had multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Laboratory studies reveal a serum sodium level of 158 mEq/L. The condition likely resulted from excessive water loss relative to sodium intake, leading to severe dehydration and hypernatremia.
Mnemonic
HYPERNATREmia = HYDRATION loss + EXcessive sodium intake + REnal wasting