

Often times, this test is ordered as a part of a complete blood count. Hematocrit Tests measure the percentage of blood that is comprised of red blood cells.Hyponatremia (low amounts of sodium in the blood) results from overhydration They are ordered when there is a suspected electrolyte imbalance, which could result in confusion, lethargy, weakness, decreased urinary output, and muscle twitching just to name a few. Sodium Tests are also used to measure amounts of sodium in the blood (hypernatremia and hyponatremia).Osmolality decreases with overhydration Excess fluid in the bloodstream can be caused by water retention, drinking excessive amounts of water, decreased ability of the kidneys to produce urine, and the presence of osmotically active agents such as glucose. These tests are typically ordered to evaluate hyponatremia, which is generally a result of sodium lost in the excretion of urine or excess fluid in the bloodstream. Serum Osmolality Tests are used as a measurement to determine the number of solutes present in the blood (serum).Increases amount of water released in urine raising soium levels in bloodĭiagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values īelow are some of the most common laboratory tests that are used to assess a person’s hydration status:.Increase low levels of sodium in the blood.Infusion sight reaction (including phlebitis).Raise serum sodium in patients with euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia.V1A and V2 vasopressin receptor antagonist Helps kidneys rid body of unneeded salts and water.Medications Drug NameĬhlorothiazide & Hydrochlorothiazide Schizophrenia and other psychological disorders.SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion).Effusions (pulmonary, pericardial, peritoneal)Īssociated Co-morbidities.Dependent edema (accumulation of fluid in lower parts of the body).Signs of increased intracerebral pressure: Slow pulse Increased SBP (more than 10 mm Hg) Decreased DBP (more than 10 mm Hg).Water intoxication presents with symptoms that are largely neurologic due to the shifting of water into brain tissues and resultant dilution of sodium in the vascular space. 3.3% were classified as being severely hyponatremicĬharacteristics/Clinical Presentation.of athletes who finished an ultramarathon, it was found that: 0.6% had critical hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration of 120 mEq/L or less).13% of 488 runners studied had hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration of 135 mEq/L or less).of the 2002 Boston Marathon it was found that: Patients suffering from psychogenic polydipsia (compulsive water drinking) which is often associated with mental illness.Water intoxication is seen in a variety of situations, but most commonly occurs in: The additional fluid is retained in the extracellular compartment resulting in fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces. Edema - The excess of both solutes and water, which is also termed isotonic volume excess.Hyponatremia, a potentially lethal situation, may occur if high volumes of water are consumed without solute replacement.

Due to this imbalance, the extracellular fluid (ECF) becomes diluted causing water to move into cells to equalize solute concentration on each side of the cell. Water Intoxication - The result of an excess of extracellular water without having an excess of solutes.6 Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Valuesĭefinition/Description įluid excess can occur in two main ways in the body, water intoxication and edema.3 Characteristics/Clinical Presentation.
