Question

Which intravenous solution should you be prepared to administer to a patient with isotonic dehydration?

1- Dextrose 5% in water
2- Dextrose 10% in water
3- 0.45% saline
4- 0.9% saline

Answer 1

For isotonic dehydration, the appropriate intravenous solution is 0.9% saline, as it is isotonic with body fluids and helps restore proper hydration without causing fluid shifts that could worsen the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address isotonic dehydration, an intravenous solution that is isotonic concerning body fluids should be used. The appropriate choice from the provided options is 0.9% saline, which is a typical isotonic solution. Solutions with lower (0.45% saline) or higher (Dextrose 10% in water) concentrations are not isotonic and can lead to a shift in fluids that could exacerbate the patient's condition. Dextrose 5% in water is initially isotonic, but once the glucose is metabolized, it becomes hypotonic. Therefore, 0.9% saline is the recommended intravenous fluid for correcting isotonic dehydration.