What is a potential complication of IV fluid therapy in a client with hyponatremia?

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In a client with hyponatremia, a potential complication of IV fluid therapy is fluid overload. When administering IV fluids, especially in cases where sodium levels are low, careful monitoring is essential to prevent an excessive increase in total body water.

Hyponatremia often occurs due to an imbalance of water and sodium in the body. If too much hypotonic fluid is administered, or if the fluid replacement is done too rapidly, the cells can become overloaded with water. This can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or heart failure if the cardiovascular system is unable to cope with the increased volume.

It is worthwhile to note that while hypotension could theoretically arise due to other factors, it is not a direct complication specifically associated with fluid therapy in hyponatremia as fluid overload clearly reflects the risks tied to overcorrection of the condition. Hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia are not typically related to the administration of IV fluids in this context, making fluid overload a significant concern.

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