Which term is synonymous with dilutional hyponatremia?

Which term is synonymous with dilutional hyponatremia?

• A. Water poisoning
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperosmolar state

Answer: (A)

This tests understanding of dilutional hyponatremia, which occurs when there is more water relative to sodium in the body, so the serum sodium concentration drops. The term that describes this situation is water poisoning (water intoxication). When free water intake overwhelms the kidneys’ ability to excrete it, sodium becomes diluted in the extracellular space, lowering plasma osmolality and leading to hyponatremia. This is different from hypernatremia (too much sodium), hypokalemia (low potassium), or a hyperosmolar state (high osmolality from other causes)—none of which describe the dilution of sodium by excess water.

This tests understanding of dilutional hyponatremia, which occurs when there is more water relative to sodium in the body, so the serum sodium concentration drops. The term that describes this situation is water poisoning (water intoxication). When free water intake overwhelms the kidneys’ ability to excrete it, sodium becomes diluted in the extracellular space, lowering plasma osmolality and leading to hyponatremia. This is different from hypernatremia (too much sodium), hypokalemia (low potassium), or a hyperosmolar state (high osmolality from other causes)—none of which describe the dilution of sodium by excess water.