Hyponatremia
A 45-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of fatigue, confusion, and a recent episode of dizziness. She has a history of hypertension and has been treated with diuretics for the past six months. Over the past week, she has also developed nausea and muscle cramps.
During the physical examination, the patient appears disoriented but is alert. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, heart rate is 88 beats per minute, and respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute. Neurological examination reveals mild confusion, and her muscle strength is slightly reduced.
Laboratory tests show a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L, a serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L, and a normal creatinine level. The urinalysis indicates concentrated urine with a specific gravity of 1.020. Given her clinical presentation and laboratory results, the patient is diagnosed with hyponatremia, likely due to the effects of diuretic therapy.
The patient is started on intravenous normal saline to correct her sodium levels gradually and is monitored closely for any neurological changes. She is advised on the importance of regular monitoring of her electrolytes and medication adjustments with her healthcare provider to prevent future occurrences. Follow-up care is arranged to manage her hypertension and monitor her sodium levels.
a) Excessive fluid intake
b) Diuretic therapy
c) Kidney failure
d) Adrenal insufficiency
a) Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L
b) Serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L
c) Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L
d) Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
a) Dizziness
b) Headache
c) Fatigue
d) Muscle cramps
a) Oral potassium supplements
b) Intravenous normal saline
c) Oral rehydration solutions
d) Corticosteroids
Answers
- b) Diuretic therapy
- b) Serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L
- b) Headache
- b) Intravenous normal saline.