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Signs and symptoms

Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, April 18, 2008

Signs and symptoms of hypernatremia can be subtle. Reduced urinary intake is common. Urine appears dark and concentrated. Reduced level of consciousness is common. The signs and symptoms are usually neurological, including delirium, irritability, restlessness, lethargy, muscular twitching, spasticity, seizures, and hyperreflexia. The neurological problems are caused by decreased water content in the brain cells, which leads to shrinkage. If the condition persists over time, it can cause cerebral hemorrhage. Hypernatremic residents are often found to have an infection.

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