Planning Related

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The student nurse is listening to a lecture on serum electrolyte levels and the use of isotonic solutions. Which statement by the student nurse indicates that the teaching has been effective?

  • A. 10% dextrose in water is a hypotonic solution.
  • B. 3% sodium chloride solution is a hypotonic solution.
  • C. 5% dextrose in water is considered an isotonic solution.
  • D. 0.45% sodium chloride solution is a hypertonic solution.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Five percent dextrose in water is an isotonic solution, which means that the osmolality of this solution matches normal body fluids. Other examples of isotonic fluids include 0.9% sodium chloride solution (normal saline) and lactated Ringer's solution. Ten percent dextrose in water and 3% sodium chloride solution are hypertonic solutions, and 0.45% sodium chloride solution is hypotonic.