Sodium has the highest extracellular concentration of all electrolytes measured in the plasma and plays a primary role in controlling the distribution of body water between extracellular and intracellular fluid.
Sodium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and helps heart muscle retain its ability to contract .
Because sodium is necessary for critical bodily functions, the body is able to maintain an overall base level of plasma sodium. In health the levels of sodium are kept within a very narrow range; in disease only slight changes in overall concentration are noted.
Because sodium is necessary for critical bodily functions, the body is able to maintain an overall base level of plasma sodium. In health the levels of sodium are kept within a very narrow range; in disease only slight changes in overall concentration are noted.
Normal Range
136-145 mEq/L
Variations from Normal. Hypernatremia, an increased plasma sodium level, is relatively uncommon. Hypernatremia is associated with dehydration and insufficient water intake, Conn's syndrome (the excessive secretion of aldosterone), hyperadrenalism or Cushing's disease, diabetes insipidus, and coma.
Hyponatremia, a decreased sodium level, usually reflects an excess of body water. Conditions that may cause an actual reduction in plasma sodium include severe burns, severe diarrhea, severe nephritis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Addison's disease (partial or complete failure of adrenocortical function), malabsorption syndrome, and certain diuretic medications.
Interfering Circumstances. Recent trauma, surgery, or shock may cause increased sodium levels . Oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, and laxatives may be linked to increased sodium levels . Decreased levels may be caused by diuretics, vasopressin, and sodium intravenous (IV) fluids .
136-145 mEq/L
Variations from Normal. Hypernatremia, an increased plasma sodium level, is relatively uncommon. Hypernatremia is associated with dehydration and insufficient water intake, Conn's syndrome (the excessive secretion of aldosterone), hyperadrenalism or Cushing's disease, diabetes insipidus, and coma.
Hyponatremia, a decreased sodium level, usually reflects an excess of body water. Conditions that may cause an actual reduction in plasma sodium include severe burns, severe diarrhea, severe nephritis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Addison's disease (partial or complete failure of adrenocortical function), malabsorption syndrome, and certain diuretic medications.
Interfering Circumstances. Recent trauma, surgery, or shock may cause increased sodium levels . Oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, and laxatives may be linked to increased sodium levels . Decreased levels may be caused by diuretics, vasopressin, and sodium intravenous (IV) fluids .
