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SSRI-associated hyponatraemia — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardAdverse Drug Reactions and Drug SafetySSRI-associated hyponatraemiaGPhC CRA

A 76-year-old woman started sertraline three weeks ago. She now has confusion, unsteadiness and a fall. Blood tests show sodium 124mmol/L, potassium 4.2mmol/L and eGFR 69mL/min/1.73m2. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: C — Urgent medical assessment and review for SSRI-associated hyponatraemia.

SSRIs can cause hyponatraemia, particularly in older people, and confusion plus falls make this clinically significant. A sodium of 124mmol/L requires urgent medical assessment and review of causative medicines. The issue is not glucose, lithium or respiratory monitoring.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS