What is the main risk associated with a rapid correction of serum sodium levels?

The main risk associated with a rapid correction of serum sodium levels is central nervous system (CNS) injury. When serum sodium levels are corrected too quickly in patients with hyponatremia (low sodium levels), it can lead to a condition known as osmotic demyelination syndrome or central pontine myelinolysis. This occurs because rapid changes in sodium concentration can cause fluid shifts in and out of brain cells, leading to cellular injury or death.

The brain is particularly sensitive to these changes, as it has limited ability to adapt to rapid fluctuations in osmolarity. Slow and controlled correction of sodium levels is crucial to avoid this serious complication, which can result in permanent neurological deficits or even be life-threatening.

Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not directly relate to the consequences of rapid sodium correction as significantly as CNS injury does.