title: Hyponatremia.
abstract: Our approach to the hyponatremic patient is based on thorough history and a well-performed physical examination. Bedside evaluation will help the physician to decide whether a patient is dry, wet, or neither. Once the patient has been characterized, an appropriate diagnosis can be established. A few simple laboratory tests will be of assistance: BUN, creatinine, osmolality, uric acid, serum potassium, and spot urinary sodium and osmolality. A logical diagnosis and therapeutic approach can then be achieved.
mesh_terms: D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium