Hyponatremia

WHAT IS IT?

Hyponatremia refers to low levels of sodium within the serum. It is defined by sodium levels that are <135 mmol/L (although reference ranges may vary depending upon the lab doing the assay).

Low sodium within the serum is defined as hyponatremia (source)
Low sodium within the serum is defined as hyponatremia (source)
WHAT CAUSES IT?

There are various causes of hypercalcemia that can be organized by the categories detailed below:

WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION FOR THIS CONDITION?

Patient Complaints (Chief Complaints): symptomatology depends on the extent of hyponatremia.

Mild hyponatremia may include symptoms of:

  • Nausea
  • Malaise

Moderate hyponatremia (often a chronic process) can present with:

  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Weakness
  • Disorientatoin

Severe/rapid onset of hyponatremia can result in:

  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Respiratory arrest

Detection On Medical Studies:

  • Lab value can be detected on a BMP/CMP
CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

 

WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSIS?

 

HOW DO WE MANAGE A PATIENT WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS?

The treatment of hyponatremia is elaborated upon more below:

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 01.28.2017