A 55-Year-Old Man with a Seizure Disorder Is Brought to the Emergency

A 55-year-old man with a seizure disorder is brought to the emergency department by a friend because of progressive confusion over the past two weeks. He is unable to provide any history. His vital signs are within normal limits. He appears lethargic and is only oriented to person. Oral mucosa is moist. There is no jugular venous distention. A basic metabolic panel shows a serum sodium concentration of 115 mEq/L but is otherwise normal. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's hyponatremia?

A) Defective central thirst regulation
B) Impaired renal concentrating ability
C) Inadequate dietary sodium intake
D) Increased antidiuretic hormone secretion
E) Stress-induced excessive cortisol levels

Correct Answer:

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