A nurse is preparing to administer Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) to a client who has been diagnosed with hyponatremia.
The nurse understands that this type of intravenous fluid contains Sodium 154 mEq/L and Chloride 154 mEq/L.
It is often used in cases of hyponatremia, shock, maintenance fluids, and dehydration.
However, it should not be used in cases of hypernatremia, fluid overload, heart failure, edema, heart disease, cardiac decompensation, primary or secondary aldosteronism.
What should the nurse say to the client to explain why they are receiving this particular IV fluid?

Choice A rationale:

Thirst and dry mouth are early signs of dehydration.

When the body loses fluids, it signals the brain to increase thirst and conserve water.

Dry mouth can occur due to reduced saliva production when the body is dehydrated.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased urine output and dark-colored urine are indicators of concentrated urine, suggesting dehydration.

Reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to decreased urine production, and the urine becomes more concentrated, appearing darker than usual.

Choice C rationale:

Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure are signs of hypovolemic shock, a severe form of dehydration where the body cannot circulate enough blood to meet its needs.

This can happen in severe cases of dehydration when there is a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Choice D rationale:

Poor skin turgor is a classic clinical sign of dehydration.

Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched.

In dehydrated individuals, the skin loses elasticity and remains tented or "pinched" after being pulled up.

This indicates a lack of fluid in the body.

Choice E rationale:

Increased energy and playfulness are not typical signs of dehydration.

Dehydrated children are more likely to be lethargic and irritable due to the physiological stress on their bodies.

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).

Choice A rationale:

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is the most appropriate choice for a client with cerebral edema.

This isotonic solution is commonly used to maintain intravascular volume and provides a neutral effect on fluid balance in the brain.

It does not introduce additional electrolytes that could potentially worsen cerebral edema.

Choice B rationale:

Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is not the best choice for cerebral edema because it is hypotonic and may lead to cellular swelling, potentially exacerbating the edema.

Choice C rationale:

Lactated Ringer's, while isotonic, contains additional electrolytes and lactate.

In the case of cerebral edema, it is safer to use a solution with a simpler composition like normal saline to avoid any potential complications related to electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D rationale:

D5W (5% dextrose in water) is not recommended for cerebral edema because it contains dextrose and may not adequately address the underlying issue of increased intracranial pressure associated with cerebral edema.