Acute Medicine | Falls 02 knowledge C for GPs

Management of Low Sodium
Session Overview
Description
This session revises the basic physiology of water and sodium regulation, and demonstrates a structured approach to the assessment and management of patients with hyponatraemia.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the physiology of sodium and water balance
• Recognise the clinical manifestations and severity of hyponatraemia
• Create a management plan for patients with a low plasma sodium concentration
• Recognise the complications associated with the management of hyponatraemia

Hyponatraemia is a common problem encountered in acute medicine. Diagnosing the cause of a low plasma sodium concentration can seem daunting and trainees often feel unsure in how to proceed with treatment. No one wishes to miss an important underlying cause, or manage a patient who develops central pontine myelinosis.

This session provides:

• Revision of the basic physiology required to understand hyponatraemia
• Practice in developing management plans for patients with hyponatraemia
• Discussion around some common management issues and pitfalls