Final answer:
Patients with short-term nutritional needs can receive IV solutions containing dextrose, amino acids, and lipids. Isotonic saline is used for hydration, while specific nutrient deficiencies, like hypokalemia, are treated with tailored IV solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with short-term nutritional needs often receive intravenous (IV) solutions of less than 10% dextrose via a peripheral vein in combination with amino acids and lipids. When a dehydrated human patient requires IV fluids, they are typically administered with saline that is isotonic with respect to body fluids. This is because isotonic solutions neither cause the cells to shrink due to water loss nor to swell and potentially burst due to water influx.
For patients with conditions like type II diabetes, malnutrition can occur despite high blood glucose levels because the glucose cannot be transported into the cells without functional insulin. In cases of hypokalemia, healthcare professionals can administer a specific concentration of KCl, such as 0.5%, to correct low potassium levels. The selection and preparation of such IV solutions are generally done with precision and care in healthcare settings.