1. What is Sodium Balance?

Sodium balance refers to the difference between sodium intake and output in the body. It is a crucial indicator of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, helping clinicians assess hydration status and guide treatment decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium balance equation:

Where:

• \( Intake \) — Total sodium consumed (mmol)
• \( Output \) — Total sodium excreted (mmol)

Explanation: A positive value indicates net sodium retention, while a negative value indicates net sodium loss.

3. Importance of Sodium Balance

Details: Monitoring sodium balance is essential for managing conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, hypertension, and critical illness where fluid balance is crucial.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter sodium intake and output values in mmol. Both values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal sodium balance?
A: In healthy individuals, sodium intake and output are typically balanced over time, with minor daily fluctuations.

Q2: Why measure sodium in mmol?
A: Millimoles (mmol) are the standard unit for electrolyte measurement in clinical practice, allowing for precise calculations.

Q3: How is sodium output measured?
A: Sodium output is typically measured through 24-hour urine collection, which accounts for the majority of sodium excretion.

Q4: What factors affect sodium balance?
A: Kidney function, hormone levels (especially aldosterone), dietary intake, sweating, and various medications can all influence sodium balance.

Q5: When is sodium balance most important to monitor?
A: It's particularly important in hospitalized patients, especially those with heart failure, kidney disease, or on diuretic therapy.