What is a potential side effect of administering mannitol in the treatment of cerebral edema?

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic commonly used to manage conditions like cerebral edema by decreasing intracranial pressure. Its mechanism involves drawing water out of brain tissue and into the vascular space, where it can then be excreted by the kidneys. As mannitol promotes diuresis, it can lead to an increased excretion of sodium and water, potentially resulting in hypernatremia.

This occurs because while mannitol influences the osmotic pressure in the blood, the body may lose more water than sodium, causing the sodium levels in the bloodstream to rise. Monitoring sodium levels during treatment with mannitol is crucial to avoid complications associated with hypernatremia, such as cellular dehydration and neurological issues.

Other options, while occasionally relevant in different contexts, do not specifically highlight common side effects associated with mannitol administration in cases of cerebral edema. Therefore, hypernatremia is the most direct and relevant side effect to recognize in this scenario.