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?

The correct answer is B: 0.45% sodium chloride. In hypernatremia, there is an excess of sodium in the blood, causing dehydration. 0.45% sodium chloride is a hypotonic solution that will help to dilute the excess sodium in the blood and lower the serum sodium levels. Lactated Ringer's (choice A) and Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride (choice C) are isotonic solutions and will not effectively treat hypernatremia. Dextrose in water (choice D) is a pure water solution that will not address the sodium imbalance.