Electrolyte Disturbances

Question 1

Which drugs can induce hyponatraemia?

Answer 1

Carbamazepine

Eslicarbazepine

Question 2

What is metabolic acidosis and how is it defined?

Answer 2

Pathological process which if left results in an increase in serum H+ ions and decreased bicarbonate. Can be caused by the following three reasons:

●Increased acid generation
●Loss of bicarbonate
●Diminished renal acid excretion

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of hyponatraemia?

Answer 3

Nausea and malaise - earliest signs below 125-130mmol/L

Headache, lethargy, obtundation and eventually seizures, coma, and respiratory arrest can occur if the serum sodium concentration falls below 115 to 120