Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

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Which of the following symptoms is commonly seen with hyponatremia?

Chest pain
Headache
Shortness of breath
Confusion

The correct answer is: Confusion

Hyponatremia, which refers to lower-than-normal sodium levels in the blood, can have a variety of neurological and psychological symptoms due to the effects of decreased sodium on brain function. Confusion is particularly notable as a symptom of hyponatremia because the brain is highly sensitive to changes in sodium levels. Low sodium can lead to cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) and disrupt normal brain activity, which can manifest as altered mental status, confusion, disorientation, or even seizures in severe cases. The relationship between sodium levels and neuronal function is crucial. When sodium levels drop, the osmotic balance is disturbed, causing water to shift into brain cells, leading to swelling and altered neurological status. This makes confusion a significant and common symptom associated with hyponatremia.