A client is admitted to the hospital with burns and hypovolemia.
The nurse is preparing to start an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Which of the following IV fluids is the most appropriate for this client?
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl).
Lactated Ringer’s.
D5W (5% dextrose in water).
The Correct Answer is A
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Choice A rationale:
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is the most appropriate choice for a client with burns and hypovolemia.
This isotonic solution helps to restore intravascular volume and replace lost fluids.
It contains sodium chloride in a concentration similar to that of the body's extracellular fluid, making it effective for rehydration and replenishing electrolytes in hypovolemic patients.
Choice B rationale:
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl) is a hypotonic solution with a lower sodium concentration than the body's extracellular fluid.
It is not the best choice for treating hypovolemia and burns because it may not effectively expand intravascular volume and may cause cellular swelling.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution, but it contains additional electrolytes and lactate.
While it can be suitable for some fluid replacement needs, normal saline is preferred for burn patients because it has a simpler composition and is effective for volume resuscitation in cases of hypovolemia.
Choice D rationale:
D5W (5% dextrose in water) is a solution that primarily provides dextrose for energy, not suitable for hypovolemia and burns.
It can cause dilutional hyponatremia if used as the primary fluid in hypovolemic patients.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Maintaining a warm room temperature is not the key to preventing dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, and temperature control in the room doesn't directly address this issue.
Choice B rationale:
The significance of oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a crucial factor in preventing and treating dehydration.
ORS contains a balanced mixture of salts and sugars that help the body reabsorb water and electrolytes lost due to dehydration.
It is the most effective way to rehydrate a dehydrated child.
Educating the client about the importance of ORS is essential because it provides a clear solution to the problem of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
The need for a complete blood count (CBC) testing is unrelated to the prevention of dehydration.
CBC is a diagnostic test used to assess various blood parameters, including red and white blood cell counts.
It is not a preventive measure against dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting the child's need for frequent, heavy meals is not an appropriate way to prevent dehydration.
In fact, heavy meals can sometimes worsen dehydration as they may be difficult to digest, leading to an increased risk of vomiting and diarrhea, which exacerbate fluid loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“Severe dehydration, which is ≥10% loss of body weight.”.
Choice A rationale:
Mild dehydration is typically classified as a 3-5% loss of body weight.
The signs and symptoms described in the scenario, such as dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor, are indicative of more severe dehydration than a 3-5% loss.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate dehydration is generally considered to be a 6-9% loss of body weight.
However, the signs and symptoms presented in the scenario suggest a more severe state of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Severe dehydration is classified as a loss of ≥10% of body weight.
The signs and symptoms observed by the nurse, including dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor, are consistent with severe dehydration, making choice C The correct classification.
Choice D rationale:
No dehydration is defined as less than a 3% loss of body weight.
The clinical manifestations observed in the child, as described in the scenario, clearly indicate dehydration.
In this case, the child's signs and symptoms align with the classification of severe dehydration, which is characterized by a loss of ≥10% of body weight.
These symptoms include dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, and decreased skin turgor.
It's crucial to recognize the severity of dehydration accurately to initiate the appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
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