Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What condition is referred to as high sodium levels in the blood?

1. Hyperkalemia

2. Hypernatremia

3. Hyponatremia

4. Hypophosphatemia

The correct answer is: Hypernatremia

High sodium levels in the blood are referred to as hypernatremia. This condition occurs when there is an excess of sodium in the bloodstream, which can arise from various factors such as dehydration, excessive salt intake, certain medications, or underlying health conditions that affect fluid balance. Hypernatremia can lead to symptoms like thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, and even seizures if not addressed promptly. Understanding this condition is critical in fields like nephrology and dialysis, where maintaining electrolyte balance is essential for patient health. The other options represent different electrolyte imbalances: hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels, hyponatremia indicates low sodium levels, and hypophosphatemia describes low phosphate levels. While all are important in the context of electrolyte management, only hypernatremia specifically denotes high sodium levels in the blood.