Fundamentals Nursing Process Questions Related

Review Fundamentals Nursing Process Questions related questions and content

A nurse is directed to administer a hypotonic intravenous solution. The nurse expects that compensatory mechanisms associated with hypovolemia would cause all of the following symptoms except:

  • A. O.45% sodium chloride
  • B. 5% dextrose in water
  • C. O.90% sodium chloride
  • D. 5% dextrose in normal saline solution
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 0.90% sodium chloride. When administering a hypotonic solution like 0.45% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose in water, water moves into the cells causing them to swell. This can exacerbate symptoms of hypovolemia such as low blood pressure and decreased perfusion. However, 0.90% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution and will not further exacerbate hypovolemic symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are hypotonic solutions that can worsen hypovolemic symptoms by causing cellular swelling.