The client is recovering from hypovolemic shock. The nurse hangs a bag of normal human serum albumin and educates the client about this fluid. The nurse evaluates that learning has occurred when the client makes which statement?

Question

1. "It is a liquid that has electrolytes in it to pull water into my blood vessels.".
2. "It is a protein that pulls water into my blood vessels.".
3. "It is a protein that causes my kidneys to conserve fluid.".
4. "It is a super-concentrated salt solution that helps me conserve body fluid.".

Answer 1

2. "It is a protein that pulls water into my blood vessels.".

Rationale:
Colloids are proteins or other large molecules that stay suspended in the blood for long periods because they are too large to easily cross membranes. They draw water molecules from the cells and tissues into the blood vessels through their ability to increase plasma oncotic pressure. Crystalloids are intravenous (IV) solutions that contain electrolytes, not proteins, in concentrations resembling those of plasma. They are used to replace lost fluids and promote urine output. Normal human serum albumin does not act on the kidneys. Normal human serum albumin is not a concentrated saline solution.