A 38-year-old ultra-marathon runner collapses after drinking large volumes of water. She is confused, has a headache, vomits repeatedly, temperature

Question

A 38-year-old ultra-marathon runner collapses after drinking large volumes of water. She is confused, has a headache, vomits repeatedly, temperature 37.2°C, glucose 5.9 mmol/L and no focal trauma. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Suspect exercise-associated hyponatraemia and avoid hypotonic fluids

Answer

Encourage further oral water because dehydration is most likely

Answer

Treat as heat stroke because she was exercising

Answer

Give large volumes of 5% dextrose during transport

Answer

Discharge after rest if temperature is normal

Exertional hyponatraemia — DipIMC MCQ

A 38-year-old ultra-marathon runner collapses after drinking large volumes of water. She is confused, has a headache, vomits repeatedly, temperature 37.2°C, glucose 5.9 mmol/L and no focal trauma. What is the most appropriate management?