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Hyponatraemia SSRI — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetyHyponatraemia SSRIGPhC CRA

An older patient on sertraline reports confusion, falls and headache two weeks after initiation. They also take a thiazide diuretic. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: C — Refer for urgent sodium assessment

SSRIs can cause hyponatraemia, particularly in older adults and with diuretics. New confusion and falls warrant urgent electrolyte assessment. In this scenario, the correct option is refer for urgent sodium assessment. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS