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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia during intravenous fluid administration
K Armon1, A Riordan, S Playfor
1Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY, UK. kate.armon@nnuh.nhs.uk
Background:
Hospital-acquired hyponatraemia is associated with excessive volumes of hypotonic intravenous fluids and can cause death or permanent neurological deficit.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 17 hospitals on all children receiving intravenous fluids during 1 day of a specified week in December 2004.
Results:
77 of 99 children receiving intravenous fluids received hypotonic solutions and 38% received >105% of fluid requirements. 21 of 86 children were hyponatraemic, but the electrolytes of only 79% had been checked in the preceding 48 h.
Conclusions:
Intravenous fluids should be used with caution as regards the tonicity and volume administered, and with appropriate monitoring of serum electrolytes.
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