PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the typical result of dehydration in terms of sodium concentration?

1. Hyponatremia

2. Hypernatremia

3. Normonatremia

4. Hypokalemia

The correct answer is: Hypernatremia

The result of dehydration in terms of sodium concentration is typically hypernatremia. When a person becomes dehydrated, there is a loss of water in the body that leads to an increase in the concentration of sodium in the blood. This occurs because the total amount of sodium remains relatively stable, while the volume of fluid in which it is dissolved decreases. Consequently, the remaining sodium becomes concentrated, resulting in higher than normal levels of sodium in the bloodstream. In cases of hypovolemic dehydration, the loss of water occurs without a significant loss in electrolytes, which further contributes to increasing sodium levels. Hypernatremia is often associated with symptoms such as thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, or seizures, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the body's fluid balance helps in recognizing the implications of dehydration and its effects on sodium concentration, thereby guiding appropriate management strategies to address elevated sodium levels.