A client is admitted to the hospital with burns and hypovolemia.
The nurse is preparing to start an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Which of the following IV fluids is the most appropriate for this client?
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl).
Lactated Ringer’s.
D5W (5% dextrose in water).
The Correct Answer is A
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Choice A rationale:
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is the most appropriate choice for a client with burns and hypovolemia.
This isotonic solution helps to restore intravascular volume and replace lost fluids.
It contains sodium chloride in a concentration similar to that of the body's extracellular fluid, making it effective for rehydration and replenishing electrolytes in hypovolemic patients.
Choice B rationale:
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is a hypotonic solution with a lower sodium concentration than the body's extracellular fluid.
It is not the best choice for treating hypovolemia and burns because it may not effectively expand intravascular volume and may cause cellular swelling.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, but it contains additional electrolytes and lactate.
While it can be suitable for some fluid replacement needs, normal saline is preferred for burn patients because it has a simpler composition and is effective for volume resuscitation in cases of hypovolemia.
Choice D rationale:
D5W (5% dextrose in water) is a solution that primarily provides dextrose for energy, not suitable for hypovolemia and burns.
It can cause dilutional hyponatremia if used as the primary fluid in hypovolemic patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's statement, "This IV fluid will provide me with hydration and calories," is correct.
D10W contains 10% dextrose and is used to provide both hydration and calories to the patient.
Choice B rationale:
D10W would not help lower blood sugar levels.
In fact, it would increase blood sugar levels due to the high concentration of dextrose.
Choice C rationale:
D10W does not provide essential electrolytes, so the statement is incorrect.
It's primarily used for calorie supplementation and hydration.
Choice D rationale:
D10W would not help increase blood pressure.
While it can provide hydration, it does not contain medications or components specifically intended to increase blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Height and weight.”.
Rationale: While monitoring height and weight is important for a child's growth and development, these parameters are not the primary vital signs to assess dehydration.
Dehydration assessment focuses on immediate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
"Heart rate and blood pressure.”.
Rationale: This is The correct answer.
When assessing a dehydrated child, monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is crucial.
Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
These parameters provide valuable information about the child's circulatory status and fluid balance.
Choice C rationale:
"Hair and eye color.”.
Rationale: Hair and eye color are not relevant parameters for assessing dehydration.
They are genetic traits and do not change in response to dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
"Shoe size and clothing size.”.
Rationale: Shoe size and clothing size are not relevant for assessing dehydration.
These measurements are related to a child's growth and body structure but do not provide information about their hydration status.
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