HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam related questions and content

Why is lactated Ringer's solution given to a patient experiencing vomiting and diarrhea?

  • A. To increase interstitial and intracellular hydration
  • B. To maintain plasma volume over time
  • C. To pull water from the interstitial space into the extracellular fluid
  • D. To replace water and electrolytes
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic solution commonly used to replace water and electrolytes lost due to conditions like vomiting and diarrhea. It helps to restore fluid balance by replacing the lost volume and electrolytes. Option A is incorrect because hypotonic fluids, not lactated Ringer's solution, increase interstitial and intracellular hydration. Option B is incorrect as colloidal solutions, not lactated Ringer's solution, are used to maintain plasma volume over time. Option C is incorrect as hypertonic solutions, not lactated Ringer's solution, pull water from the interstitial space into the extracellular fluid.