Question

1. A patient's order for IV fluid states that NS is to be infused. Which of the following fluids should be given? A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride C. 0.225% Sodium Chloride D. 5% Dextrose 2. A patient's order for IV fluid states the D5W is to infused. Which of the following IV fluids should be given? A. 5% Dextrose with Normal Saline B. 5% Dextrose with Lactated Ringer's Solution C. 5% Dextrose with 0.45% Sodium Chloride D. 5% Dextrose 3. What complications are associated with the administration of IV fluids?

Answer 1

Question 1

Answer :  A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride

Normal saline is a solution made up of of Na⁺, Cl^– and water molecules. Most commonly used normal saline is 0.9% NS. So any prescription of IV fluid NS, nurse should administer 0.9% Normal saline. For administration of other normal saline infusion the prescription should be clearly mentioned as 0.45% Sodium Chloride or 0.225% Sodium Chloride.  5% Dextrose containing dextrose molecules hence it is not meant as NS. Option B, C and D are incorrect.

Question 2

Answer : D. 5% Dextrose

D5W means 5% Dextrose in Water. It is used to correct fluid deficit and increased serum osmolarity. Here 5% Dextrose (D5) dissolved in water only not with other solutions such as Normal Saline or Lactated Ringer's Solution. So option A,B and C  are incorrect.

Question 3

Answer :

Complications associated with the administration of IV fluids are follows

1. Infection : Micro organism enters in to the blood stream while IV administration. Signs of infection are fever, chills, redness over the infusion site, pain, oedema.
2. Phlebitis :Inflammation of the vein can occur with IV fluid administration. It is charecterised by redness, tenderness and warm skin over the infusion site, also iv fluid flow may be slow.
3. Infiltration : Here IV fluid leaks out from the vein to the surrounding tissues. Signs of infiltration are oedema, pain and cool skin on infiltrated site.
4. Hypervolemia : Hypervolemia or fluid volume excess refers to an isotonic expansion of the extracellular fluid caused by the abnormal retention of water and sodium.Signs of hypervolemia are rapid breathing, moist crackles and hypertension.
5. Air embolism : Air embolism is the presence of air in the blood circulation can occur while administering IV fluids. Tachycardia, chest pain and dyspnea are the main signs of air embolism.