Which of the following is a common cause of hyponatremia?

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

The correct choice, which identifies a common cause of hyponatremia, is overhydration. Hyponatremia is characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, and one significant contributor to this condition is the dilution of sodium due to excessive water intake. When the body takes in more water than it can excrete, it can lead to a decrease in sodium concentration relative to the total body water. This effectively dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream, leading to hyponatremia.

While vomiting can certainly lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and contribute to hyponatremia, it more commonly results in the loss of sodium, which can lead to hypovolemic states rather than dilutional hyponatremia as seen with overhydration. High sodium intake generally does not cause hyponatremia; rather, it tends to elevate sodium levels, especially in those with normal kidney function. Kidney disease can cause electrolyte imbalances, but the mechanism is usually related to the retention of fluid and waste products rather than isolated hyponatremia due to high sodium levels or simple dehydration.

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