Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which symptoms may indicate the presence of SIADH?

1. Weight loss, fatigue

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Hyperactivity and insomnia

4. Dry skin, fever

The correct answer is: Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are significant symptoms that can indicate the presence of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH). In SIADH, the body retains water due to excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which can lead to dilutional hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). This electrolyte imbalance can affect various systems in the body, particularly the central nervous system, resulting in symptoms like nausea and vomiting. These symptoms arise because the brain does not function optimally when sodium levels are low, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances. In the context of SIADH, other symptoms may include confusion, seizures, and altered mental status due to the osmotic changes in the brain. While weight loss and fatigue, hyperactivity and insomnia, and dry skin with fever are pertinent symptoms associated with different conditions, they are not specific indicators of SIADH. This makes nausea and vomiting a more direct clue pointing towards the syndrome, drawing attention to the need for a thorough evaluation of serum sodium levels and fluid status in patients showing these gastrointestinal symptoms.