The nurse is caring for a patient with severe burns who is receiving IV fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution. The nurse understands that this type of solution is used for this patient because it:

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution, not a hypotonic one. Isotonic solutions have the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma and do not cause fluid movement across the cell membrane.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution, not a hypertonic one. Hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes than blood plasma and cause fluid to move out of the cells and into the vascular space.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution that will expand the vascular space by adding fluid without changing the concentration of solutes. This is useful for patients with hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood) who need to restore their fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution that will expand the vascular space by adding fluid without changing the concentration of solutes. It will not have no effect on fluid movement, as it will increase the intravascular volume.

Choice A reason:

Hypernatremia is not a likely complication of sodium chloride and potassium chloride IV fluids, because these fluids do not contain excessive amounts of sodium. Hypernatremia is more likely to occur with hypertonic saline solutions or excessive sodium intake.

Choice B reason:

Hypokalemia is not a likely complication of sodium chloride and potassium chloride IV fluids, because these fluids contain potassium, which can help prevent or correct hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more likely to occur with diuretic therapy, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Choice C reason:

Hyperchloremic acidosis is a likely complication of sodium chloride and potassium chloride IV fluids, because these fluids can increase the serum chloride level and lower the serum bicarbonate level, resulting in a metabolic acidosis. Hyperchloremic acidosis can also worsen the client's existing metabolic alkalosis by impairing the renal excretion of hydrogen ions.

Choice D reason:

Hypochloremic alkalosis is not a likely complication of sodium chloride and potassium chloride IV fluids, because these fluids do not cause a loss of chloride or an increase in bicarbonate. Hypochloremic alkalosis is more likely to occur with vomiting, gastric suctioning, or diuretic therapy.