Paediatric emergencies: hypernatraemia correction: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pediatrics · Paediatric emergencies: hypernatraemia correction

Sample item

A 10-month-old with gastroenteritis has a serum sodium of 170 mEq/L and is rehydrated. What is the safe rate of lowering the sodium?

AAs rapidly as possible with free waterBNo faster than about 10 to 12 mEq/L per 24 hoursCNot corrected at allD30 mEq/L in 6 hours

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. No faster than about 10 to 12 mEq/L per 24 hours

Chronic hypernatraemia must be corrected slowly, at no more than 0.5 mEq/L per hour (10 to 12 mEq/L per day). Faster correction shifts water into brain cells and causes cerebral oedema and seizures.

Option by option

A. As rapidly as possible with free water
Fast free water administration is dangerous.
B. No faster than about 10 to 12 mEq/L per 24 hours (correct)
Correct. Slow correction prevents cerebral oedema.
C. Not corrected at all
Severe hypernatraemia requires treatment.
D. 30 mEq/L in 6 hours
Rapid correction risks cerebral oedema.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, No faster than about 10 to 12 mEq/L per 24 hours. Chronic hypernatraemia must be corrected slowly, at no more than 0.

Why is "As rapidly as possible with free water" not the answer?

Fast free water administration is dangerous.

Why is "Not corrected at all" not the answer?

Severe hypernatraemia requires treatment.

Why is "30 mEq/L in 6 hours" not the answer?

Rapid correction risks cerebral oedema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric emergencies: hypernatraemia correction in Pediatrics. 5 mEq/L per hour (10 to 12 mEq/L per day). Faster correction shifts water into brain cells and causes cerebral oedema and seizures.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric emergencies: hypernatraemia correction?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.