A patient is admitted for treatment of hypercalcemia. Which type of intravenous fluid should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?
1. dextrose 5% and water
2. dextrose 5% and 0.9% normal saline
3. dextrose 5% and 0.45% normal saline
4. normal saline
Correct Answer: 4
Isotonic saline is used because sodium excretion is accompanied by calcium excretion through the kidneys. If isotonic saline is not used, the patient is at risk for hyponatremia in addition to the hypercalcemia. Hypertonic solutions will not help facilitate the removal of calcium through the kidneys.
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