Hyponatremia and Decreased Alertness

A 45-year-old male patient with chronic kidney disease is being monitored for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The nurse notes that the patient's serum sodium level is 130 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that this level indicates a condition known as hyponatremia. The normal range for serum sodium is considered to be 135-145 mEq/L. Given the serum sodium level, the nurse anticipates that the patient may exhibit symptoms such as confusion, muscle weakness, and decreased ________.