Patient/caregiver was educated on role of sodium in the body as follows:
- Sodium is an essential dietary element involved in many important bodily functions, such as, fluid management, blood pressure regulation, & electrolyte balance and plays an important role in optimal function of various internal organs.
- Due to the side-effects low and high levels of sodium can cause, sodium levels in the blood are very closely regulated and kidneys help in this regulation process.
- Most of the body’s sodium is present in blood and body fluids. Sodium has the tendency to hold and retain fluid in the body, thus helping to maintain blood and body fluid volume.
- Optimal blood volume in the body is very essential to maintain blood pressure in desired range. By maintaining optimal blood volume, sodium helps to maintain optimal blood pressure.
- Optimal blood pressure is the key to maintain the needed blood flow, thus delivering oxygen and nutrients to all the vital organs in the body, such as, heart, kidney, & brain. This can contribute towards the normal function of all the vital organs. By contributing to optimal blood pressure and normal blood flow to vital organs, sodium helps to maintain the optimal function of all the vital organs in the body.
