-
Negative Result: Indicates a free water deficit. The calculated value represents the amount of free water needed to correct the hypernatremia. Treatment should be administered gradually to prevent rapid changes in serum sodium.
-
Positive Result: Indicates water excess. This suggests the need for water restriction or other interventions to correct hyponatremia.
-
Clinical Considerations: The correction rate for sodium should not exceed 10-12 mEq/L in 24 hours to prevent central pontine myelinolysis. Consider dividing the calculated deficit into portions for safer administration over 48-72 hours.
