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Multiple Choice

What is the threshold value for high plasma sodium?

High plasma sodium means hypernatremia, which occurs when the extracellular sodium concentration is above the normal range. The usual normal range is about 135–145 mmol/L. In many clinical contexts, a value around 160 mmol/L is used as the threshold that marks a clinically significant rise beyond mild elevation. Values near 150 mmol/L are above normal but typically considered mild hypernatremia, while 170 or 180 mmol/L indicate more severe elevations. Therefore, 160 mmol/L is the common cutoff used to designate a high sodium level in this setting.

High plasma sodium means hypernatremia, which occurs when the extracellular sodium concentration is above the normal range. The usual normal range is about 135–145 mmol/L. In many clinical contexts, a value around 160 mmol/L is used as the threshold that marks a clinically significant rise beyond mild elevation. Values near 150 mmol/L are above normal but typically considered mild hypernatremia, while 170 or 180 mmol/L indicate more severe elevations. Therefore, 160 mmol/L is the common cutoff used to designate a high sodium level in this setting.