Hypernatraemia

Post-discharge monitoring is necessary for patients who continue to be at risk for the development of hypernatraemia (i.e., those patients with altered mental function or lack of thirst capacity). Serum sodium concentration should be monitored regularly in patients in nursing homes who have dementia.

Patients with diabetes insipidus are particularly at risk for hypernatraemia, as they can have massive electrolyte-free water excretion.

Patients with nosocomial hypernatraemia are often able to drink water once they recover from their acute illness, and as such, do not require monitoring for the development of hypernatraemia.