Electrolyte Disturbances (Assessment & Diagnosis) — 72yo Man | Nephrology | MCCQE1 Q#13324
MCCQE1 Question #13324
Dimension of Care
Acute Care
Activity
Assessment & Diagnosis
Objective
Electrolyte Disturbances
Section
Medicine / Family Medicine
Subject
Nephrology
Last updated: February 2026
A 72-year-old man presents with 24 hours of confusion and unsteady gait. His daughter reports he has been drinking excessive water since starting hydrochlorothiazide 2 weeks ago for hypertension. He has had poor oral intake for several days due to nausea. Examination shows dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and flat jugular venous pressure. Laboratory studies confirm marked hypotonic hyponatremia. Which clinical finding is most helpful to interpret this patient’s volume status to guide initial management of hyponatremia?
Full answer analysis and choices are available inside the practice session.
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