Which signs are typical of hypoosmolar hypovolemic hyponatremia?

• A. Hypotension, tachycardia
• B. Edema
• C. Hypertension
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (A)

In hypoosmolar hyponatremia with hypovolemia, there is a loss of fluid that reduces the effective arterial blood volume. The body responds to this decreased circulating volume by constricting vessels and increasing heart rate to maintain perfusion, so you see hypotension and tachycardia. Edema would not be expected because the problem is fluid loss, not fluid retention. Hypertension would contradict the volume-depleted state, and jaundice is not related to this electrolyte disturbance.