What is the differential diagnosis for hyponatremia?
Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatremia
| Condition | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Euvolemic hyponatremia | |
| 3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine (“Ecstasy”) use | Urine drug screen |
| Beer potomania syndrome | Excessive alcohol consumption, low serum osmolality |
| Exercise-associated hyponatremia | Clinical |
How do you test for hyponatremia?
However, because the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia occur in many conditions, it’s impossible to diagnose the condition based on a physical exam alone. To confirm low blood sodium, your doctor will order blood tests and urine tests.
How do you assess a patient with hyponatremia?
- Step 1: Plasma osmolarity.
- Step 2: Assess volume status with physical exam, urine sodium (UNa)
- Step 3: Urine osmolarity.
- Severe symptomatic hyponatremia.
- Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic hyponatremia.
What is symptomatic hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in the hospital. Severe symptomatic hyponatremia is associated with grave consequences including cerebral edema, brain herniation, seizures, obtundation, coma, and respiratory arrest.
Which of the following groups of symptoms are caused by hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia may cause a variety of potential symptoms including:
- Weakness.
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Muscle cramps.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Slurred speech.
- Confusion.
Which lab tests are performed in the evaluation of hyponatremia?
There are three essential laboratory tests in the evaluation of patients with hyponatremia that, together with the history and the physical examination, help to establish the primary underlying etiologic mechanism: urine osmolality, serum osmolality, and urinary sodium concentration.
What is the incidence of hyponatremia in the ICU?
The incidence of hyponatremia is high among critical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and also in postoperative patients. This is more common in elderly patients due to multiple comorbidities, multiple medications, and a lack of access to food and drinks.
How is hyponatremia classified according to the jointjoint European guidelines?
Joint European guidelines classify hyponatremia in adults according to serum sodium concentration, as follows: Mild: 130-134 mmol/L Moderate: 125-129 mmol/L Profound: < 125 mmol/L
What does hyponatremia mean in medical terms?
Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium concentration of less than 135 mEq/L but can vary to some extent depending upon the set values of varied laboratories. Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality caused by an excess of total body water in comparison to that of the total body sodium content.