Physical examination of sodium loss coma

Sodium loss coma is a loss of sodium due to gastrointestinal disorders, surgery, and infection that can precipitate a crisis as in primary hyperaldosteronism. Peripheral circulatory collapse is particularly pronounced in this type of critical coma. It is important to note that increased sodium excretion may occur during the first few days of corticosteroid administration, probably because the glomerular filtration rate, which was low, is increased after treatment. It has been reported that less than 1 week after treatment with corticosteroids, patients enter a coma with a significant negative sodium balance. In addition, when thyroid preparations are applied alone, especially when the dosage is too large, the metabolic rate increases and the body’s need for adrenocorticotropic hormone increases, making the lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone more severe. There are many causes of sodium loss coma, and for patients with sodium loss coma, a detailed and reliable medical history and careful physical examination are required to clarify the diagnosis of the cause. When taking medical history, attention should be paid to any previous history of hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disease, endocrine disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, any recent history of trauma, infection, interruption of medication or overdose, anger, fever, poisoning and the condition of the person who eats or sleeps with the patient, headache, vomiting, etc. Therefore, the doctor will examine the patient with sodium loss coma according to the above, which should be focused on the following: 1. body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and depth, respiratory odor and respiratory secretions. 2. blood pressure. 3. skin cyanosis, hemorrhage, and sweating. 4, the degree of coma. 5. Pupil size, whether both sides are equal in size and response to light. 6. Eye movement and oculocerebral reflex. 7. Hemorrhage and exudation of optic papillae in the fundus. 8.Motion and reflex. 9, meningeal stimulation signs, etc.