• Enlarged Kidney; Broken Sternum; Electrolyte Imbalance
»» On November 28, 2006, McCool was hospitalized with an enlarged kidney, a broken sternum, and an electrolyte imbalance. During her absence, both James and Stevens were sent back to OVW. She was released from the hospital on December 2, 2006.
» Enlarged Kidney: When a kidney is enlarged, one has to determine whether the kidney tissue itself (what makes the urine) is larger than normal, or whether the collecting system, that which collects the urine and transports it to the bladder, is larger than normal. Usually, enlargement refers to the collecting system and in a very crude sense means that the "plumbing" is distended or larger than normal.
» Broken Sternum: Broken sternum is a very serious condition and, in that case, hospitalization is necessary. Sternum is a bone with very delicate localization. Sternum is very important because it keeps heart and lungs from injury.
» Electrolyte Imbalance: The kidneys regulate fluid absorption and excretion and maintain a narrow range of electrolyte fluctuation. Normally, sodium and potassium are filtered and excreted in the urine and feces according to the body's needs. Too much or too little sodium or potassium, caused by poor diet, dehydration, medication, and disease, results in an imbalance. Too much sodium is called hypernatremia; too little is called hyponatremia. Too much potassium is called hyperkalemia; too little is called hypokalemia.