What monitoring protocols should I follow for patients being treated for hyponatraemia?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Measure plasma electrolyte concentrations every 4 to 6 hours for the first 24 hours, and then adjust the frequency based on the treatment response and clinical judgment .

In cases of acute hyponatraemia with moderate or severe symptoms, monitor plasma sodium levels hourly during treatment, especially when administering hypertonic saline, and decrease monitoring frequency as symptoms resolve .

For patients developing hyponatraemia during intravenous fluid therapy, review fluid status and consider more frequent monitoring of serum sodium, urine sodium, and osmolality, particularly if symptoms are present or worsening .

In children and young people, plasma sodium should be checked at least hourly during acute management, especially when administering boluses of hypertonic saline, and then less frequently as symptoms improve .

In adults, monitor serum sodium and chloride daily if receiving IV fluids containing chloride >120 mmol/l, and reassess IV fluid prescriptions if abnormalities develop .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.