The client has an IV of dextrose 5% in 0.45% normal saline. The physician has ordered a transfusion of one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs).
Before hanging the blood, the nurse will prime the blood tubing with which of the following solutions?

This is because hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal, usually due to too much water in your body that dilutes the sodium. A hypertonic saline solution is a fluid that has a higher concentration of sodium than blood, and it can help restore the normal sodium balance by drawing water out of the cells.

Choice A is wrong because restricting fluid intake may not be enough to correct severe hyponatremia, and it may worsen the symptoms of dehydration.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging increased fluid intake will further lower the sodium levels and increase the risk of complications such as brain swelling.

Choice D is wrong because administering a loop diuretic will cause more sodium and water loss from the kidneys, which can worsen hyponatremia and dehydration.

Normal ranges for blood sodium levels are between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Hyponatremia is defined as a blood sodium level below 135 mEq/L1.

This is because intravenous potassium supplementation is indicated for patients with profound hypokalemia (plasma K+ <2.5 mmol/L) or cardiac arrhythmia. The rate of infusion should not exceed 10 mmol/hour to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and phlebitis.

Choice A is wrong because monitoring urine output every 8 hours is not sufficient to prevent complications from intravenous potassium replacement therapy.

Urine output should be monitored more frequently (at least every 4 hours) to assess renal function and fluid balance.

Choice B is wrong because administering potassium via a bolus injection is dangerous and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Potassium should never be given by intravenous push or intramuscular injection.

Choice D is wrong because encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for patients receiving intravenous potassium replacement therapy.

Oral potassium supplementation is preferred for patients with mild to moderate hypokalemia (plasma K+ 2.5-3.5 mmol/L) who can eat and absorb oral potassium.

Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, legumes, juices, seafood, leafy greens, dairy, tomatoes and bananas.