What serum sodium level was achieved after 3% saline infusion?

What serum sodium level was achieved after 3% saline infusion?

• A. 128 mEq/L
• B. 135 mEq/L
• C. 120 mEq/L
• D. 140 mEq/L

Answer: (A)

Hypertonic (3%) saline raises serum sodium by creating an osmotic gradient that pulls water from brain cells into the extracellular space, increasing the extracellular sodium concentration. When treating hyponatremia or intracranial hypertension, the goal is a controlled, gradual correction to avoid osmotic demyelination syndrome. The actual rise depends on how much hypertonic solution is given and the patient’s water balance and losses, but a modest increase into the low- to mid-120s is a common, safe target after 3% saline. Reaching about 128 mEq/L reflects this careful correction without overshooting. Values around normal (135) may indicate the correction was insufficient for a symptomatic hyponatremia, while a much lower value (120) could imply either under-treatment or a larger-than-expected correction elsewhere; a value as high as 140 would suggest overcorrection or an unrelated rise in sodium. In practice, aim for a controlled rise of roughly 4–6 mEq/L in the initial hours, then reassess.

Hypertonic (3%) saline raises serum sodium by creating an osmotic gradient that pulls water from brain cells into the extracellular space, increasing the extracellular sodium concentration. When treating hyponatremia or intracranial hypertension, the goal is a controlled, gradual correction to avoid osmotic demyelination syndrome. The actual rise depends on how much hypertonic solution is given and the patient’s water balance and losses, but a modest increase into the low- to mid-120s is a common, safe target after 3% saline. Reaching about 128 mEq/L reflects this careful correction without overshooting. Values around normal (135) may indicate the correction was insufficient for a symptomatic hyponatremia, while a much lower value (120) could imply either under-treatment or a larger-than-expected correction elsewhere; a value as high as 140 would suggest overcorrection or an unrelated rise in sodium. In practice, aim for a controlled rise of roughly 4–6 mEq/L in the initial hours, then reassess.