Stephen Douglas has been in an automobile accident. The most effective IV solution for a patient having hypovolemic shock would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertonic IV fluids would be used to draw fluid off tissue in edematous situations such as third spacing. Isotonic solutions are used to increase intravascular volume, to increase perfusion of vital organs. Hypotonic fluids are used to rehydrate tissue in those with severe, or prolonged fluid deprivation. Colloids increase tonicity of intravascular fluids, pulling water into the vascular system from tissue.