Pediatric Emergency Nursing PICO Questions Related

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Hypernatremia is associated with a:

  • A. Serum osmolality of 245mOsm/kg
  • B. Urine specific gravity below 1.003
  • C. Serum sodium of 150mEq/L
  • D. Combination of all of the above
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypernatremia is defined as an elevated serum sodium level above 145mEq/L. In this case, a serum sodium level of 150mEq/L indicates hypernatremia. The other options, serum osmolality of 245mOsm/kg and urine specific gravity below 1.003, are not specific criteria for the diagnosis of hypernatremia. The primary marker used for diagnosing hypernatremia is an elevated serum sodium level.