Question

The nurse is assisting in the care of a client admitted to a burn unit after acquiring second and third degree burns to 15% of the body. Which IV fluid does the nurse expect to be ordered?

A.0.9% Normal Saline (NS)
B. 0.45% Normal Saline
C. Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
D.Lactated Ringers (LR)

Answer 1

For a burn patient with second and third degree burns to 15% of the body, the nurse can expect Lactated Ringers (LR) or 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) to be ordered as they are isotonic solutions that help maintain electrolyte balance and replace lost fluids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assisting in the care of a client admitted to a burn unit after acquiring second and third degree burns to 15% of the body. The type of IV fluid typically ordered for such a patient would likely be Lactated Ringers (LR) or 0.9% Normal Saline (NS). These solutions are isotonic with respect to body fluids, which is crucial for maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance. Lactated Ringers (LR) contains a mix of electrolytes that resembles the body's natural fluid composition and can help restore electrolyte balance. Normal Saline, on the other hand, is a simple salt solution that can also aid in correcting fluid losses.

When dealing with severe burns, fluid resuscitation is a critical part of the acute care. The aim is to replace fluids lost from the injury while preventing complications associated with electrolyte imbalances. Both LR and NS are commonly used, and the choice between them can depend on the specific clinical scenario and physician preference.