A patient has questioned the nurse's administration of IV normal saline, asking whether sterile water would be a more appropriate choice than "saltwater." Under what circumstances would the nurse administer electrolyte-free water intravenously?
A) Never, because it rapidly enters red blood cells, causing them to rupture.
B) When the patient is severely dehydrated resulting in neurologic signs and symptoms
C) When the patient is in excess of calcium and/or magnesium ions
D) When a patient's fluid volume deficit is due to acute or chronic renal failure
Ans: A
Feedback:
IV solutions contain dextrose or electrolytes mixed in various proportions with water. Pure, electrolyte-free water can never be administered by IV because it rapidly enters red blood cells and causes them to rupture.
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