Question

A 69-year-old woman presents with confusion and unsteady gait. Serum sodium is 112 mmol/L. She is euvolaemic, on a thiazide diuretic and has had symptoms for at least 2 weeks. According to accepted practice, which statement about correction of her hyponatraemia is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Correction should generally not exceed 8-10 mmol/L in the first 24 hours

Answer

Rapid correction of 12-16 mmol/L per hour is appropriate

Answer

No risk is associated with rapid correction in chronic hyponatraemia

Answer

Hypertonic saline is absolutely contraindicated

Answer

Stopping the thiazide is unnecessary

Practice question

A 69-year-old woman presents with confusion and unsteady gait. Serum sodium is 112 mmol/L. She is euvolaemic, on a thiazide diuretic and has had symptoms for at least 2 weeks. According to accepted practice, which statement about correction of her hyponatraemia is most accurate?