A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. The client's blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 22/min. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following types of IV fluids?
Dextrose 5% in water (D5W)
Lactated Ringer's (LR)
Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride (D5W/0.45% NaCl)
Dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's (D5LR)
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is a hypotonic solution that provides free water and calories, but no electrolytes. It is used to treat hypernatremia and cellular dehydration, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intravascular to the intracellular space, leading to cerebral edema and decreased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they need to restore their intravascular volume and electrolyte balance.
Choice B reason:
Lactated Ringer's (LR) is an isotonic solution that contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is used to treat fluid loss from burns, trauma, surgery, or sepsis. It also helps to correct metabolic acidosis by providing bicarbonate precursors. This is the best choice for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they need to replace their fluid and electrolyte losses and maintain their acid-base balance.
Choice C reason:
Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride (D5W/0.45% NaCl) is a hypertonic solution that provides free water, calories, and sodium. It is used to treat hypovolemia and hyponatremia, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular to the intravascular space, leading to cellular dehydration and increased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they already have low blood pressure and cellular dehydration.
Choice D reason:
Dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's (D5LR) is a hypertonic solution that provides free water, calories, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is used to treat hypovolemia and metabolic acidosis, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular to the intravascular space, leading to cellular dehydration and increased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they already have low blood pressure and cellular dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Jugular vein distension is a sign of fluid overload because it indicates increased pressure in the right atrium and superior vena cava due to excess blood volume.
Choice B reason:
Weight gain of 2 kg in one day is a sign of fluid overload because it reflects fluid retention in the body. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) is equivalent to 1 L of fluid.
Choice C reason:
Decreased hematocrit is a sign of fluid overload because it indicates hemodilution or dilution of the blood due to excess fluid in the intravascular space.
Choice D reason:
Bounding pulse is a sign of fluid overload because it reflects increased cardiac output and stroke volume due to excess blood volume.
Choice E reason:
Flat neck veins are not a sign of fluid overload, but rather a sign of fluid deficit or dehydration. In fluid overload, neck veins will be distended or elevated.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administer the solution via a central line. This is correct because 3% sodium chloride solution is a hypertonic solution that can cause phlebitis and tissue damage if infused peripherally. A central line can deliver the solution more safely and effectively.
Choice B reason:
Monitor serum sodium levels every 4 hours. This is correct because serum sodium levels can indicate the effectiveness of the therapy and the risk of complications such as hypernatremia or cerebral edema. The normal range of serum sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice C reason:
Titrate the infusion rate according to urine output. This is incorrect because the infusion rate of 3% sodium chloride solution should be titrated according to serum sodium levels, not urine output. Urine output can be affected by other factors such as renal function, fluid intake, and diuretics.
Choice D reason:
Assess for signs of fluid overload. This is correct because 3% sodium chloride solution can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular and interstitial spaces to the intravascular space, leading to fluid overload. Signs of fluid overload include cough, dyspnea, crackles, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, bounding pulse, elevated central venous pressure (CVP), weight gain, edema, neck and hand vein distention, altered level of consciousness, and decreased hematocrit.
Choice E reason:
Keep an accurate intake and output record. This is correct because intake and output records can help monitor the fluid balance and identify any excesses or deficits. Intake includes oral fluids, intravenous fluids, tube feedings, and blood products. Output includes urine, stool, vomitus, drainage, and insensible losses.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.