Sodium (Na+) Lab Values

Normal
135-145 mEq/L

Indications

Monitor: Extracellular osmolality Electrolyte imbalance

Description
Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid. Sodium aids in osmotic pressure, renal retention and excretion of water, acid-base balance, regulation of other cations and anions in the body. Sodium plays a role in blood pressure regulation and stimulation of neuromuscular reactions. Sodium and water have a direct relationship; water follows salt.

What would cause increased levels?

Cushing Syndrome Hyperaldosteronism Dehydration Burn injury Azotemia (elevated nitrogen) Lactic acidosis (LA) Fever/excessive sweating Excessive IV fluids containing sodium Diabetes Insipidus Osmotic diuresis

What would cause decreased levels?

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) Cystic Fibrosis Diuretic use Metabolic acidosis Addison’s Disease Nephrotic Syndrome Vomiting Diarrhea Ascites Excessive Antidiuretic Hormone(ADH) Liver failure

Lab Values Podcast by NURSING.com (Nursing Podcast, normal lab values for nurses for NCLEX®) by NURSING.com (NRSNG)

By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse NCLEX Educator

Quick . . . is the aPTT within normal range? Are you sweating a bit? Nervous? Head over to NURSING.com/freebies for our free cheat sheet covering the 63 most important lab values for nurses. This podcast covers one essential lab value for episode including normal ranges, nursing considerations, and background information. Normal lab values are hard to keep straight. This show includes the most common including: Creatinine, WBC, BUN, aPTT, blood gasses, and more. Welcome to the Nursing family! For full disclaimer information visit nursing.com.

• No. of episodes: 90
• Latest episode: 2023-09-27
• Education Health & Fitness Courses Medicine

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