Pseudohyponatremia is a rare laboratory abnormality characterized by a serum sodium concentration below 135 mEq/L in the setting of a normal serum osmolality (280 to 300 mOsm/kg), thereby posing a risk of severe morbidity and mortality if not recognized promptly. Pseudohyponatremia, unlike true hyponatremia associated with low serum osmolality, is an artifact resulting from blood sample processing for sodium measurement. Failure to promptly recognize this can lead to severe complications, necessitating prompt evaluation for additional abnormal solutes affecting the laboratory assessment. Osmotically active solutes such as mannitol or hyperglycemia can contribute to pseudohyponatremia, but a severe elevation of cholesterol stands out as the primary cause. Management primarily targets treating the underlying condition responsible for elevated cholesterol levels. Accurate interpretation of serum sodium values is essential for distinguishing pseudohyponatremia from other forms of hyponatremia, and consultation with a nephrologist may be necessary for proper differentiation. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of pseudohyponatremia while emphasizing the collaborative role of the interprofessional team in patient care. This activity provides clinicians from primary care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and related subspecialties with the skills necessary to distinguish this common electrolyte imbalance in their patients. In addition, this activity also improves prompt recognition and effective management by clinicians, which is crucial in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with pseudohyponatremia.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/82784
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, Ambulatory/Outpatient, Cardiothoracic, Cardiovascular Disease, Chemical Pathology, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Operative Anesthesia, General Orthopaedics, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hematology, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Neurocritical Care, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pulmonary Disease, Rheumatology, Surgical Critical Care