Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy due to his NPO status. Which of the following solutions should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: 0.45% sodium chloride. This solution, also known as half-normal saline, is hypotonic and helps to dilute the excess sodium in hypernatremia. It slowly corrects the sodium imbalance without causing a rapid shift in serum osmolality, reducing the risk of cerebral edema.
A: Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is isotonic and may worsen hypernatremia by increasing sodium levels.
B: Lactated Ringer's contains sodium and will not effectively lower serum sodium levels in hypernatremia.
D: Dextrose 10% in water is hypertonic and can further increase serum osmolality, exacerbating hypernatremia.
Choosing solution C is the most appropriate intervention to safely correct the hypernatremia without causing complications.
A: Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is isotonic and may worsen hypernatremia by increasing sodium levels.
B: Lactated Ringer's contains sodium and will not effectively lower serum sodium levels in hypernatremia.
D: Dextrose 10% in water is hypertonic and can further increase serum osmolality, exacerbating hypernatremia.
Choosing solution C is the most appropriate intervention to safely correct the hypernatremia without causing complications.