True or false: Water intoxication can lead to hypernatremia.

Water intoxication refers to a condition that occurs when there is an excessive intake of water, leading to a dilution of electrolytes in the body, particularly sodium. This can result in a condition known as hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the blood become abnormally low.

In hypernatremia, the opposite occurs: there is a high concentration of sodium in the blood, typically due to dehydration or inadequate fluid intake relative to sodium intake. Therefore, water intoxication, characterized by an excess of water, does not lead to hypernatremia, as it dilutes sodium rather than concentrating it.

Understanding the relationship between fluid balance and sodium levels is essential for recognizing how conditions like water intoxication affect electrolyte levels. This form of metabolic disturbance emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between fluid intake and electrolyte levels for optimal health.