Question

A 72-year-old woman with chronic hyponatraemia presents with sodium 118 mmol/L and mild gait disturbance but no seizures. Serum osmolality is low and volume status appears normal. Which principle regarding correction is most important to prevent serious complications?

Accepted Answer

Limit correction to less than 8-10 mmol/L in 24 hours

Answer

Correct sodium to normal within 12 hours

Answer

Use hypertonic saline to increase sodium by 20 mmol/L in 6 hours

Answer

Rapid correction is always safe in chronic hyponatraemia

Answer

Give hypotonic fluids to slowly correct

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman with chronic hyponatraemia presents with sodium 118 mmol/L and mild gait disturbance but no seizures. Serum osmolality is low and volume status appears normal. Which principle regarding correction is most important to prevent serious complications?