The nurse is caring for a patient with severe pancreatitis. Which intravenous fluid would the nurse anticipate providing to this patient?

Question

1. D5W
2. Lactated Ringer's
3. D51/2NS
4. 0.9% NS

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: D5W is a hypotonic fluid that does not increase intravascular volume. It expands intracellular volume.
Rationale 2: Lactated Ringer's may be isotonic but is contains potassium, which may be harmful to the patient. Also, if the patient is acidotic, the lactate may further contribute to the acidosis.
Rationale 3: D51/2NS is hypotonic and will not contribute to the expansion to intravascular volume.
Rationale 4: The preferred intravenous solution for replacement during an episode of pancreatitis is 0.9% NS. The life-threatening manifestation of pancreatitis is hypovolemic shock because the patient becomes intravascularly depleted and needs isotonic fluid replacement.