How to Treat Hyponatremia When on a Feeding Tube

Hyponatremia is a deficiency in serum sodium levels (shortage of salt in the blood), usually caused by overhydrating---or giving too many fluids to---your patient, which can lead to devastating consequences if left untreated. Yet, before a doctor can address the insufficiency, he must first identify the cause or it will recur. Low sodium levels can damage virtually every internal organ, and as it is a cardiac electrolyte, your heart can stop functioning if the levels drop too low. The brain is particularly susceptible to damage caused by hyponatremia.

Things You'll Need

• Tube feeding product
• Salt

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the patient's precise sodium level. This will require a blood draw and analysis by a qualified Lab Technician.

• 2

  Weigh the patient if you don't already know the exact weight. A patient's blood volume correlates with his body weight; you must calculate how much salt to give using the patient's weight and sodium levels as variables.

• 3

  Prepare a hypertonic (high salt content) solution for the feeding tube. Pour one liter of feeding solution into the feeding tube bag and add salt in accordance to the lab results and the patient's weight. A licensed physician must calculate the amount of salt you will add and write a prescription.

• 4

  Hook the feeding bag to the loop at the top of the pole holding the feeding pump, feed the tubing into the pump as per the manufacturer's instructions and set the pump as directed by the doctor (different pumps have different specifications; you must familiarize yourself with this equipment before taking over care of the patient).

• 5

  Measure the patient's sodium levels to determine the effectiveness of treatment. The doctor will decide when to do this (usually within four to 12 hours) and will analyze the results. This will require another blood draw and analysis.