Disorders of water and sodium balance

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Normally, the level of total body water is maintained by natural elimination and intake. However, several variables can influence the rate of water loss, and if mechanisms that regulate thirst malfunction, intake can be affected as well. The resulting water imbalance can cause excessive or deficient sodium levels. Dr Brown describes the interrelationship between water and sodium concentrations, explains how to calculate a given patient's requirements, and presents a safe approach to the various types of imbalance.