Question

You respond to a patent who complains of having dark, tarry stools. Upon arrival, you notice that the patient is pale, cool, and clammy. After initiation of two large-bore IVs, your initial fluid bolus should be:

A) 10 mL/kg.
B) 20 mL/kg.
C) 250 mL.
D) 1000 mL.

Answer 1

The initial fluid bolus for a patient presenting with dark, tarry stools and symptoms of pallor, coolness, and clamminess should be 20 mL/kg to quickly replenish fluids and increase blood volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient presents with dark, tarry stools and symptoms of pallor, coolness, and clamminess, it may indicate internal bleeding and fluid loss. In such cases, the initial fluid bolus is typically 20 mL/kg to quickly replenish fluids and increase blood volume. This helps maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.