PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

A patient with hypernatremia is typically treated with what?

1. Sodium chloride infusion

2. Diuretics

3. Rehydration

4. Potassium supplements

The correct answer is: Rehydration

Hypernatremia, characterized by an elevated sodium concentration in the serum, typically arises from either a deficit in total body water or an excess of sodium. The primary goal in managing hypernatremia is to restore normal fluid balance and decrease serum sodium levels safely. Rehydration—generally achieved through the administration of hypotonic fluids such as D5W (5% dextrose in water) or normal saline—is the most appropriate treatment. This approach helps to dilute the excess sodium in the blood and restores appropriate cellular hydration. Care must be taken to correct hypernatremia gradually to avoid complications, such as cerebral edema, which can occur due to rapid shifts in serum sodium concentrations. While diuretics might be considered in cases of hypervolemic hypernatremia where fluid overload is present, the primary treatment remains rehydration. Sodium chloride infusion would increase sodium levels further, which is counterproductive in this scenario. Potassium supplements are not relevant in the treatment of hypernatremia, as the focus is on sodium and fluid balance. Therefore, rehydration is the cornerstone of treatment for hypernatremia.