Hypovolemia vs Hypervolemia
A 72-year-old patient presents with dizziness and weakness. On exam they have dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, tachycardia, and orthostatic hypotension. What volume status abnormality is most likely?
Hypovolemia
A patient with severe hyponatremia may develop which neurologic physical exam findings due to cerebral edema?
Confusion, seizures, decreased level of consciousness
SIADH causes __________ because the excess, constant release of ADH leads to water retention, which initially increases blood volume, but the body compensates by increasing sodium excretion to normalize volume.
euvolemic hyponatremia
A patient with heart failure presents with jugular venous distention (JVD), bilateral lower extremity edema, and pulmonary crackles. What volume abnormality does this exam suggest?
Hypervolemia
A patient with severe hypernatremia may demonstrate which key symptom on exam related to hypothalamic stimulation?
Intense thirst (polydipsia)
Which physical exam sign helps distinguish hypovolemia from euvolemic hyponatremia?
Orthostatic hypotension
A patient with SIADH typically has what volume status findings on physical exam?
Euvolemia, no edema, no orthostatic hypertension
Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level __________, while hypernatremia is __________.
Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level <135 mEq/L (low sodium), while hypernatremia is >145 mEq/L (high sodium).
A patient with hypervolemia and hyponatremia due to cirrhosis may have which exam findings?
Ascites, peripheral edema, JVD may be normal or elevated depending on condition