A client is admitted to the hospital with dehydration and hyponatremia.
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
Choice A rationale:
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
Rationale: Normal saline is the most appropriate choice for a client with dehydration and hyponatremia.
It provides a balanced solution with sodium and chloride, which can help correct hyponatremia and rehydrate the client.
It is an isotonic solution and is commonly used for fluid resuscitation.
Choice B rationale:
Half normal saline (0.45% NaCl).
Rationale: Half normal saline is also an isotonic solution, but it contains less sodium than normal saline.
In a case of hyponatremia, it's better to use a solution with a higher sodium concentration, making choice A (normal saline) more appropriate.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer’s.
Rationale: Lactated Ringer's is another isotonic solution, but it may not be the best choice for a client with hyponatremia.
It contains lactate, which can be metabolized to bicarbonate, potentially worsening the client's hyponatremia.
Therefore, it's not the most appropriate option in this case.
Choice D rationale:
D5W (5% dextrose in water).
Rationale: D5W is a hypotonic solution and should not be used for rehydration in a client with hyponatremia.
It can exacerbate the electrolyte imbalance and is not suitable for addressing dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of hyperkalemia.
This solution contains potassium in a relatively low concentration of 4 mEq/L, which is unlikely to significantly impact hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be contraindicated in cases of hypokalemia.
While it does contain potassium, the concentration is relatively low at 4 mEq/L.
In cases of severe hypokalemia, a more potassium-rich solution might be preferred.
Choice C rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of lower GI fluid loss.
It can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution can be used in cases of upper GI fluid loss.
It helps restore lost fluids and electrolytes.
Choice E rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is not contraindicated in cases of lactic acidosis.
In fact, it contains lactate (28 mEq/L), which can be metabolized to bicarbonate and help correct acidosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a crucial nursing intervention for a dehydrated child.
ORS helps replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes, making it an effective treatment for dehydration.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the child in a cold environment is not an appropriate intervention for a dehydrated child.
Dehydration is not related to room temperature, and maintaining a comfortable environment is important, but extreme cold could cause discomfort to the child.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring the child's vital signs is an essential nursing intervention when caring for a dehydrated child.
Vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, can provide important information about the child's condition and hydration status.
Regular monitoring helps in assessing the child's progress and identifying any worsening symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Providing heavy meals at regular intervals is not an appropriate intervention for a dehydrated child.
As mentioned earlier, heavy meals can be difficult to digest and may worsen dehydration.
It is more important to focus on rehydration with fluids like ORS.
Choice E rationale:
Educating the child and caregivers about dehydration is an important nursing intervention.
Teaching them about the signs and symptoms of dehydration, the importance of ORS, and how to prevent it in the future is essential for the child's well-being and for preventing future episodes of dehydration.
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