Hypernatremia may occur in young children with acute gastroenteritis. The NICE guidelines list clinical findings that may help to identify a small child with hypernatremic dehydration.
Patient selection: child less than 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis and dehydration
Clinical findings that can be seen with hypernatremic dehydration:
(1) jittery movements
(2) increased muscle tone
(3) hyperreflexia
(4) convulsions/seizures
(5) altered mental status (drowsiness, coma)
Serum testing for electrolytes should be considered if hypernatremia is suspected.
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