Question

which term refers to an increased sodium concentration in the blood?
a.) hypernatremia
b.) hypokalemia
c.) hyperkalemia
d.) hyponatremia

Explanation:

• Hypernatremia: The prefix "hyper -" means excessive or increased, and "natr -" refers to sodium. So, hypernatremia is an increased sodium concentration in the blood.
• Hypokalemia: "Hypo -" means deficient or decreased, and "kal -" refers to potassium. This term is about low potassium levels, not sodium.
• Hyperkalemia: "Hyper -" (excessive) and "kal -" (potassium). It is related to high potassium levels, not sodium.
• Hyponatremia: "Hypo -" (deficient) and "natr -" (sodium). This term is for low sodium levels, the opposite of what the question asks.

Answer:

A. Hypernatremia