Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Videos

Hypernatremia in the elderly.

Olufemi Adeleye1, Marquetta Faulkner, Tolulola Adeola

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, USA.

Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 3, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Elderly individuals are at high risk for hypernatremia (high sodium levels) due to decreased thirst and reliance on caregivers for hydration. Prompt medical intervention and adequate water intake are crucial for prevention and management.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Spontaneous perinephric haemorrhage and acute renal failure in pregnancy due to cocaine intoxication.

NDT plus·2017
Same author

Pulmonary hemorrhage with hematuria: do not forget IgA nephropathy.

Clinical kidney journal·2015
Same author

Malignant hypertension with thrombotic microangiopathy and persistent acute kidney injury (AKI).

Clinical kidney journal·2014
Same author

Quality of life and outcomes in African Americans with CKD.

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN·2014
Same author

Preeclampsia 2012.

Journal of pregnancy·2012
Same author

Quality of life and psychosocial factors in African Americans with hypertensive chronic kidney disease.

Translational research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine·2011
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Geriatrics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Hypernatremia, defined as plasma sodium >145 mEq/L, is typically caused by water loss.
  • Normal physiological responses include thirst stimulation and antidiuretic hormone release for water reabsorption.
  • Persistent hypernatremia suggests impaired thirst sensation or inadequate water access.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review risk factors, pathophysiology, causes, prevention, and management of hypernatremia in the elderly population.
  • To highlight the increased vulnerability of hospitalized elderly patients and nursing home residents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hypernatremia in the elderly.
  • Analysis of physiological mechanisms and risk factors.
  • Discussion of clinical prevention and management strategies.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Elderly individuals experience decreased thirst, leading to reduced water intake.
  • Hospitalized elderly and nursing home residents are at significant risk due to dependency on others for hydration.
  • Persistent hypernatremia in this population often stems from an inability to sense thirst or access water.

Conclusions:

  • Adequate water prescription and administration are essential for preventing hypernatremia in at-risk elderly individuals.
  • Understanding the unique risk factors and pathophysiology is key to effective management.
  • Proactive hydration strategies are vital for this vulnerable demographic.