Discharge Instructions for Hypernatremia (Child)

Diet changes

Check nutrition facts labels for sodium content and don't let your child eat foods high in sodium, such as:

• Canned soups

• Canned beans

• Frozen dinners

• Commercially prepared tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce

• Pizza

• Potato and corn chips

• Salted pretzels and crackers

• Olives

• Pickles

• Sauerkraut

• Soy sauce

• Cottage cheese

• Canned chili and stew 

• Lunch meats

• Processed meats, such as hot dogs and salami

• Instant hot cereals

• Quick breads made with baking soda or baking powder, including pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and muffins

• Packaged dessert mixes

Home care

• Have your child drink more fluids as advised.

• Have your child’s sodium levels checked as often as advised by your healthcare provider. This is very important if your child takes a diuretic. This is a medicine that helps flush water from the body.

• Replace your child’s body fluids after vomiting or diarrhea. Ask your healthcare provider for the best way to do this.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all medicine your child is taking. This includes both prescribed and over-the-counter medicine. Some of these can raise sodium levels.

• Have your child take all medicines as directed. 

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. The healthcare provider will need to watch your child’s condition closely. Your child may need extra care if they have a health condition that causes the hypernatremia.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Muscle twitching, spasms, or cramps

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Loss of consciousness or fainting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness