Question

What is the response to hypotonic hydration (overhydration)? Specify hormone(s) involved, the stimulus for secretion, where they are secreted from and the specific actions of the hormone(s). (3 pts)

Answer 1

1. During the onset, fluid outside the cells has an excessively low amount of solutes ( such as sodium and electrolytes) in comparison to that inside the cells causing the fluid to shift through in to the cells to balance its concentration. This causes the cells to swell. In the brain, this swelling increases intracranial pressure.

It is this increase in pressure leads to the first observable symptoms of water intoxication: headache, personality changes, changes in behavior, confusion, irritability and drowsiness.

Sometimes it is followed by difficulty breathing during exertion, muscle weakness & pain, twitching, or cramping, nausea, vomiting, thirst and a dulled ability to percieve and interpret sensory information.

As the conduction persists, papillary and vital signs may results including bradycardia and widened pulse pressure.

The cells in the brain may swell to the point where blood flow is interrupted resulting in cerebral edema. Swollen brain cells may also apply pressure to the brain stem causing central nervous system dysfunction. Both cerebral edema and interference with the central nervous system are dangerous and could result in seizures, brain damage, coma or death.

2. It may some times results from SIADH.

• the pituitary gland
• secretes too much vasopressin also called anti diuretic hormone.
• Its main function is to stimulate the kidney to conserve water.

In situations when there is no need to conserve water, it results in water intoxication..