Severe Hyponatremia and hypokalemia: a potentially fatal clinical and nutrological condition in the emergency room: a case report

Abstract

Electrolyte imbalances are common in clinical practice. However, if untreated they can lead to severe complications including neurologic disturbances, cardiac rhythm alterations and even death. They can be diagnosed by a detailed clinical history, a careful physical examination and serum determinations. Their etiology is broad, including renal and extra-renal losses, use of medication without medical supervision and low intake from foods. The present case describes a patient attended at the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and weakness that resolved after electrolyte reposition.