Physiological AdaptationQuestion 211 of 2368
A marathon runner drank only water during a race and now has a headache and new confusion. Which imbalance does the nurse suspect?
- Hypernatremia
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyponatremia
- Hypercalcemia
Show answer
Correct answer: Hyponatremia
Excess water intake without solutes can lower the sodium level. Water moves into brain cells, causing headache, confusion and seizures.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Sodium. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026