Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What are the three types of hyponatraemia?

1. Hypovolaemic, Euvolemic, Hypervolemic

2. Hypovolaemic, Isovolemic, Hypervolemic

3. Isovolemic, Hypervolemic, Normovolemic

4. Hypovolaemic, Euvolemic, Normovolemic

The correct answer is: Hypovolaemic, Euvolemic, Hypervolemic

Hyponatraemia is classified based on the volume status of the patient, which helps in determining the underlying cause and appropriate management. The three correct types are hypovolaemic, euvolemic, and hypervolemic: - Hypovolaemic hyponatraemia occurs when there is a deficiency in total body water and sodium, leading to a decrease in plasma volume. Conditions that can lead to this include vomiting, diarrhea, or the use of diuretics. It is characterized by low serum sodium levels and low extracellular fluid volume. - Euvolemic hyponatraemia is observed when there is a normal total body sodium content but an increase in total body water, which dilutes the serum sodium concentration. This condition can occur in situations like the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or after the administration of certain medications that affect fluid balance. The patient usually appears clinically euvolemic. - Hypervolemic hyponatraemia occurs when there is an excess of both sodium and water, but the water excess is greater, leading to dilution of sodium in the blood. This type of hyponatraemia is commonly seen in conditions like congestive heart failure, cirrhosis,