A client experiences a loss of intracellular fluid. The nurse anticipates that which of the following IV therapies will be used to replace this type of fluid loss?

Question

a. 0.45% normal saline (NS)
b. 10% dextrose
c. 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's
d. Dextrose 5% in 1/2 NS

Answer 1

A
The client will need a hypotonic solution, such as 0.45% NS. A hypotonic solution has an osmo-lality that is less than body fluids, so the cells will draw the fluid in, which is the desired effect when the client has experienced a loss of intracellular fluid.
Ten percent dextrose is a hypertonic solution that will draw fluid into the vascular space.
Five percent dextrose in lactated Ringer's is a hypertonic solution. Hypertonic solutions pull fluid into the vascular space by osmosis.
Dextrose 5% in 1/2 NS is a hypertonic solution. Hypertonic solutions pull fluid into the vascular space by osmosis. The client needs a hypotonic solution to rehydrate the cells.