The nurse admits a patient with a low BP who reports severe diarrhea for several days from a Clostridium difficile infection. Which IV fluid would the nurse associate with the need to rapidly replace the patient's fluid volume?
0.45% sodium chloride
0.9% sodium chloride
5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride
5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: 0.45% sodium chloride is a hypotonic solution, which is not ideal for rapidly replacing fluid volume in patients with low blood pressure due to severe diarrhea. Hypotonic solutions can cause fluid to move into cells rather than staying in the vascular space, potentially worsening hypotension.
Choice B reason: 0.9% sodium chloride, also known as normal saline, is an isotonic solution. It is the best choice for rapidly replacing fluid volume in patients with low blood pressure. Isotonic solutions stay in the vascular space and help restore circulating blood volume and blood pressure without causing fluid shifts that can lead to cellular edema or dehydration.
Choice C reason: 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution, which might not be the most appropriate for initial rapid fluid resuscitation. Hypertonic solutions can draw fluid into the vascular space from the interstitial and intracellular spaces, potentially leading to rapid changes in fluid balance and electrolyte shifts.
Choice D reason: 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride is also a hypertonic solution but with a hypotonic component (0.45% sodium chloride). This combination is not typically used for rapid fluid resuscitation because it can cause fluid shifts that are less predictable and may complicate the patient's electrolyte balance and hydration status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nursing supervisors generally oversee nursing staff and ensure that patient care standards are being met, but they are not primarily responsible for developing individualized plans of care.
Choice B reason: Registered nurses (RNs) are trained and licensed to develop individualized plans of care that include nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. They work closely with patients to understand their needs and create a plan that supports their health goals, including self-management care.
Choice C reason: Health care providers, such as medical doctors (MDs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), are responsible for diagnosing and treating medical conditions, but the development of detailed nursing care plans is typically outside their primary scope of practice.
Choice D reason: Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VN) provide basic nursing care and assist with patient care activities, but they do not generally develop comprehensive nursing care plans, which require the higher level of training and education that RNs receive.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: An oxygen mask is essential for providing supplemental oxygen to the patient, especially if they experience respiratory distress or decreased oxygen saturation following a seizure. Ensuring adequate oxygenation is a priority in post-seizure care.
Choice B reason: A nasogastric tube may be used in specific situations for feeding or medication administration, but it is not routinely necessary for all patients treated for status epilepticus.
Choice C reason: A urinary catheter is used for managing urinary output, particularly in patients with retention or incontinence issues, but it is not immediately required for all patients post-status epilepticus.
Choice D reason: Suction set-up is necessary for maintaining the patient's airway and preventing aspiration, particularly if the patient has excessive secretions or vomits after a seizure. Suction equipment allows the nurse to quickly clear the airway and ensure the patient can breathe effectively.
Choice E reason: Tongue blades are not recommended for seizure management as they can cause injury. Historically, there was a misconception about using tongue blades to prevent tongue biting during seizures, but this practice is now discouraged due to the risk of oral injury.
Choice F reason: Side rail pads are important for protecting the patient from injury during potential future seizures. Padded side rails help prevent trauma from hitting the bed rails during convulsions and provide a safer environment for the patient.
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