Which symptom is commonly associated with hyponatremia?

Which symptom is commonly associated with hyponatremia?

• A. Confusion
• B. Dizziness
• C. Fever
• D. Rash

Answer: (A)

Low sodium in the blood lowers serum osmolality, so water shifts into brain cells and causes cerebral edema. This brain swelling often manifests as confusion, which is a common neurologic symptom seen with hyponatremia. Dizziness can occur but is less specific, while fever and rash don’t fit the electrolyte imbalance pattern and usually suggest infection or an allergic reaction rather than hyponatremia.

Low sodium in the blood lowers serum osmolality, so water shifts into brain cells and causes cerebral edema. This brain swelling often manifests as confusion, which is a common neurologic symptom seen with hyponatremia. Dizziness can occur but is less specific, while fever and rash don’t fit the electrolyte imbalance pattern and usually suggest infection or an allergic reaction rather than hyponatremia.