A nurse is to administer a hypotonic solution to a patient with a critically high sodium. Which solution is hypotonic?

0.9% Sodium Chloride

Lactated Ringer's

D5W (5% Dextrose in Water)

0.45% Sodium Chloride

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer because 0.9% Sodium Chloride is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same osmolarity as the blood plasma. It does not cause any fluid shifts between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same osmolarity as the blood plasma. It does not cause any fluid shifts between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because D5W (5% Dextrose in Water) is an isotonic solution when it is in the IV bag, but it becomes hypotonic once it enters the body, as the dextrose is rapidly metabolized and only water remains. However, it is not a preferred solution for a patient with critically high sodium, as it can cause cerebral edema and worsen the neurological status.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because 0.45% Sodium Chloride is a hypotonic solution, which means it has a lower osmolarity than the blood plasma. It causes fluid to shift from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment, which can help lower the sodium level and correct the fluid imbalance.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

A. Half-normal saline solution B. 10% dextrose in water C. 5% dextrose and half-normal saline solution D. Lactated Ringer's solution

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Half-normal saline solution is a hypotonic solution, which means it has a lower concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the cells, leading to cellular swelling and edema.

Choice B reason: 10% dextrose in water is a hypertonic solution, which means it has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the cells into the blood vessels, leading to cellular shrinkage and dehydration.

Choice C reason: 5% dextrose and half-normal saline solution is a hypertonic solution, which has the same effects as choice B. The dextrose increases the osmolarity of the solution, while the half-normal saline provides some electrolytes.

Choice D reason: Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It maintains fluid balance and provides electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is commonly used for fluid resuscitation, dehydration, and acidosis.

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A nurse is to administer a hypotonic solution to a patient with a critically high sodium. Which solution is hypotonic?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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