Abstract
The serum sodium concentration is the ratio of sodium to water in the extracellular fluid compartment. It is determined by the relationship among total body sodium, potassium, and water, the last of which typically is the main determinant. This chapter focuses on the etiology and management of hypernatremia, a hyperosmolar state. Hypernatremia itself is not a disorder but rather a laboratory abnormality caused by an underlying pathologic process. To simplify the management of hypernatremia, this chapter considers the balance of total body water and sodium separately. The goal is to determine appropriate, timely therapies for a disorder that is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality.
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