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 ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the degree of dehydration based on clinical signs and symptoms is a fundamental step in managing a dehydrated child.
This assessment guides the choice of appropriate treatment and fluid replacement.
Choice B rationale:
Calculating the fluid deficit based on the degree of dehydration is crucial in determining the amount of fluid that needs to be replaced accurately.
This calculation helps prevent under or overhydration.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring the child's response to treatment and adjusting the plan accordingly is essential.
Dehydration management is an ongoing process, and adjustments may be necessary based on how the child is progressing.
Choice E rationale:
Communication with physicians, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals is vital for comprehensive care.
Dehydration management often involves a multidisciplinary approach to address the child's overall health and nutritional needs.
Selecting all of these options (A, B, D, and E) ensures a comprehensive approach to managing dehydration in a child.
It involves assessment, calculation, monitoring, and collaboration with healthcare professionals for the best outcome.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Height and weight.”.
Rationale: While monitoring height and weight is important for a child's growth and development, these parameters are not the primary vital signs to assess dehydration.
Dehydration assessment focuses on immediate physiological indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
"Heart rate and blood pressure.”.
Rationale: This is The correct answer.
When assessing a dehydrated child, monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is crucial.
Dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
These parameters provide valuable information about the child's circulatory status and fluid balance.
Choice C rationale:
"Hair and eye color.”.
Rationale: Hair and eye color are not relevant parameters for assessing dehydration.
They are genetic traits and do not change in response to dehydration.
Choice D rationale:
"Shoe size and clothing size.”.
Rationale: Shoe size and clothing size are not relevant for assessing dehydration.
These measurements are related to a child's growth and body structure but do not provide information about their hydration status.
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