The healthcare provider ordered an IV solution for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. The nurse knows which IV fluid would be contraindicated?
Normal saline
Dextrose in water 5%
Lactated Ringer's (LR)
Dextrose in normal saline
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Normal saline is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Normal saline is an isotonic solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It can help restore fluid balance and prevent cerebral edema.
Choice B reason: Dextrose in water 5% is contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Dextrose in water 5% is a hypotonic solution that has a lower concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the brain cells, increasing the intracranial pressure and worsening the skull fracture.
Choice C reason: Lactated Ringer's (LR) is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Lactated Ringer's (LR) is an isotonic solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the blood plasma. It can also provide electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate, which can help correct acid-base imbalances.
Choice D reason: Dextrose in normal saline is not contraindicated for a dehydrated client with a skull fracture. Dextrose in normal saline is a hypertonic solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than the blood plasma. It can cause fluid to shift from the brain cells into the blood vessels, reducing the intracranial pressure and cerebral edema.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pyuria, or pus in the urine, is not a direct sign of fluid volume overload. It may indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other renal problems.
Choice B reason: Weight loss is not a typical finding of fluid volume overload. In fact, weight gain is a common symptom of fluid retention, as the body holds more fluid than it excretes.
Choice C reason: Jugular vein distention, or the bulging of the neck veins, is a serious indicator of fluid volume overload. It reflects increased pressure in the right side of the heart and the systemic circulation. It may also signal heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or pericardial tamponade.
Choice D reason: Muscle contractions are not directly related to fluid volume overload. They may be caused by electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, muscle fatigue, or nerve disorders.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because normal saline 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, and it can help restore the fluid balance and the blood pressure of the dehydrated client.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because 1/2 normal saline 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 lead to cellular swelling and edema. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hemolysis and hypotension.
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. It causes fluid to shift from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment, which can lead to cellular swelling and edema. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hemolysis and hypotension.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer because D5 1/2 normal saline is a hypertonic solution, which means it has a higher osmolarity than the blood plasma. It causes fluid to shift from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment, which can lead to cellular shrinkage and dehydration. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.

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.
