A client who has been diagnosed with mild hyponatremia and has experienced gastric fluid loss from vomiting is about to receive Half Normal Saline (0.45% NaCl).
This intravenous fluid contains Sodium 77 mEq/L and Chloride 77 mEq/L.
It is contraindicated in cases of hypovolemia, hyponatremia, increased intracranial pressure, liver disease, trauma, and burns.
What should the client say to demonstrate understanding of the treatment plan?

Choice A rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.03.

Rationale: This calculation significantly underestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Dehydration often requires more significant fluid replacement.

Choice B rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.06.

Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.

Choice C rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.1.

Rationale: This calculation overestimates the fluid deficit for a child with moderate dehydration.

Using this formula would result in excessive fluid replacement, which can be harmful.

Choice D rationale:

Fluid deficit (in mL) = body weight (in kg) x 0.04.

Rationale: This is The correct answer.

The appropriate fluid deficit calculation for a child who weighs 12 kg with moderate dehydration is to multiply their body weight by 0.04.

For this child, it would be 12 kg x 0.04 = 480 mL.

This formula is a commonly used guideline to estimate fluid deficit in cases of dehydration.

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.