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A patient with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L is at risk for which condition? (Normal Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L)

A.

Seizures

B.

Hyperreflexia

C.

Bradycardia

D.

Hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

(A) Seizures: Severe hyponatremia (Na+ < 120 mEq/L) can cause cerebral edema, leading to increased intracranial pressure and seizures.

(B) Hyperreflexia: More common in hypernatremia or hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

(C) Bradycardia: Severe hyponatremia usually causes tachycardia, not bradycardia.

(D) Hypertension: Hyponatremia often leads to hypotension due to fluid shifts.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Diabetes Insipidus:

  • Polyuria: ADH deficiency/resistance causes excessive urine output.
  • Hypernatremia: Excessive water loss leads to high serum sodium levels.
  • Dilute Urine: The kidneys cannot concentrate urine without ADH.

SIADH:

  • Decreased Urine Output: Excess ADH leads to water retention and decreased urination.
  • Hyponatremia: Water retention dilutes sodium levels.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

(A) Constipation: Hypocalcemia causes increased GI motility, leading to diarrhea, not constipation.

(B) Trousseau's sign: Carpal spasm when inflating a BP cuff is a classic sign of hypocalcemia.

(C) Positive Chvostek’s sign: Facial twitching when tapping the facial nerve suggests hypocalcemia.

(D) Muscle spasms: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to spasms and cramps.

(E) Shortened QT interval: Hypocalcemia prolongs the QT interval, while hypercalcemia shortens it.

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