Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with confusion and seizures?

1. Hypokalemia

2. Hyponatremia

3. Hypernatremia

4. Hypocalcemia

The correct answer is: Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is often linked to confusion and seizures due to the critical role sodium plays in maintaining fluid balance and electrical activity in the brain. Sodium is essential for generating and conducting action potentials in neurons. When sodium levels drop significantly, it can lead to cellular swelling in the brain, which may result in neurological symptoms, including confusion, changes in mental status, and seizures. The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in sodium levels, and if the drop is rapid or severe, it can lead to more pronounced symptoms due to acute cerebral edema. Management of hyponatremia focuses on correcting the sodium levels, often requiring careful monitoring and gradual adjustment to minimize potential complications, such as central pontine myelinolysis. While other electrolyte imbalances can lead to various neurological signs, they are not as commonly associated with confusion and seizures as hyponatremia is. For instance, hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and can lead to muscle weakness or cramping rather than direct neurological symptoms. Hypernatremia, though it can cause confusion, usually presents with more symptoms related to dehydration and hyperosmolarity rather than seizures. Hypocalcemia can cause neuromuscular excitability and may lead to seizures, but it is less