Abnormal Sodium Level and the Dietitian's Intervention

How do you assess hypo- or hypernatremia? Do you calculate osmolarity? Do you assess volume status? Do you restrict sodium, fluid, both, or neither? Do you think normal saline or free water is the answer? We will discuss osmolarity, review tips on how to assess fluid status, talk through the causes and recommended treatment for treating hypo- and hypernatremia.

Suggested Performance Indicators:
1.1.1, 5.1.1, 9.1.1, 11.2.1, 11.5.1

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain how to assess hypo- and hypernatremia.

2. Identify possible causes of hypo- and hypernatremia.

3. List the tips to identify volume status.

4. State the recommended treatment for the specific hypo- and hypernatremia.

Speaker:
Nancy Rodriguez, DCN, RDN, LDN, recently joined University of Illinois Chicago and is a clinical instructor for their coordinated program in dietetics. She has spent close to ten years educating future dietitians in their clinical rotation. She also works as a prn dietitian at RML Specialty Hospital, a long term acute care hospital. Nancy is passionate about learning and expanding our role as well as improving patient outcomes. Nancy is excited to be here and share her knowledge and learn from you. She is a recent graduate, earning her doctorate in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University.