A nurse is discussing safety for administering intravenous fluids. Which condition might occur if hypertonic solutions are administered too quickly?
Mental alertness
Decreased pulse
Decreased blood pressure
Fluid overload
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Mental alertness is not affected by the administration of hypertonic solutions. Hypertonic solutions are fluids that have a higher concentration of solutes than the blood. They draw water out of the cells and into the blood vessels, increasing the blood volume and osmolarity.
Choice B reason: Decreased pulse is not a result of administering hypertonic solutions too quickly. On the contrary, hypertonic solutions can increase the pulse rate as they increase the blood volume and pressure.
Choice C reason: Decreased blood pressure is not a consequence of administering hypertonic solutions too quickly. Hypertonic solutions can raise the blood pressure as they increase the blood volume and osmolarity.
Choice D reason: Fluid overload is the correct answer. Administering hypertonic solutions too quickly can cause fluid overload, which is a condition where the body has too much fluid in the blood vessels. This can lead to symptoms such as edema, dyspnea, crackles, and weight gain. Fluid overload can also cause heart failure, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct finding for hypervolemia. Hypotension is a low blood pressure, which can be caused by hypovolemia (low blood volume) or other factors. Hypervolemia is an excess of fluid in the body, which can increase the blood pressure.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct finding for hypervolemia. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can be caused by heart block, medication, or other factors. Hypervolemia can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate) as the heart tries to pump the excess fluid.
Choice C reason: This is a correct finding for hypervolemia. Peripheral edema is a swelling of the extremities due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Hypervolemia can cause peripheral edema as the fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the interstitial spaces.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct finding for hypervolemia. Weight loss is a decrease in body weight, which can be caused by dehydration, malnutrition, or other factors. Hypervolemia can cause weight gain as the body retains more fluid.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a condition where there is a decreased volume of blood in the body. Hypovolemia can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Choice B reason: Slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could also cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a serious and life-threatening condition. The nurse should not reduce the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.
Choice C reason: Increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypervolemic, which is a condition where there is an excess of fluid in the blood vessels. Hypervolemia can cause fluid overload, pulmonary edema, and heart failure.
Choice D reason: Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This is a reasonable rate for a client who has a head injury and hypovolemia, as it can help restore the fluid balance and prevent cerebral edema. The nurse should not change the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.
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