Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte disorder. It is defined as a serum sodium concentration > 145 mmol/L and is a hyperosmolar state in which there is a deficit in total body volume relative to electrolytes. Hospitalized patients with altered mental status, restricted access to water, or impaired thirst are particularly at risk to develop hypernatremia. In the ICU hypernatremia is independently associated with mortality, although it is unknown whether prevention, or correction of hypernatremia improves outcomes [1,2].
