The nurse cares for a patient in the emergency department who was just severely burned. The wife of the patient asks the nurse, "Why does he need those intravenous infusions (IVs)?" What are the best responses by the nurse that indicates the primary reasons for intravenous infusions (IVs) with a burned patient?

Question

1. "So we have an open line for resuscitation in case his heart stops."
2. "So he can receive his antibiotics."
3. "So we can keep his blood pressure stable."
4. "So we can be sure he keeps enough blood volume."
5. "So we can rapidly administer his pain medications."

Answer 1

3,4
Rationale 1: Cardiac resuscitation is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
Rationale 2: Antibiotic therapy is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
Rationale 3: Net loss of fluids from the body can result in dehydration and shock. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is used to maintain blood pressure.
Rationale 4: Net loss of fluids from the body can result in dehydration and shock. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is used to maintain blood volume.
Rationale 5: Administration of analgesics is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
Global Rationale: Net loss of fluids from the body can result in dehydration and shock. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is used to maintain blood volume and support blood pressure. Antibiotic therapy is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. Cardiac resuscitation is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. Administration of analgesics is not a primary reason for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.