Question

A client is admitted with a two-day history of nausea and vomiting. Which IV fluid is appropriate for the client with moderate dehydration?

Lactated Ringer's
Dextrose 1% in water
Three percent normal saline
Dextrose 5% /.45% normal saline

Answer 1

Lactated Ringer's solution is the appropriate IV fluid for a patient with moderate dehydration due to its isotonic nature and balanced mix of electrolytes that mirrors the body's plasma composition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is admitted with a two-day history of nausea and vomiting leading to moderate dehydration, the appropriate intravenous (IV) fluid to correct this condition would likely be Lactated Ringer's solution. This solution is isotonic and contains a balanced mix of electrolytes, closely mirroring the body's plasma. Lactated Ringer's is preferred because it includes not only sodium chloride (NaCl), but also potassium, calcium, and lactate, which aids in buffering the blood and correcting metabolic acidosis that can accompany dehydration.

Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is another common IV fluid and is isotonic as well, making it a possible option for rehydration; however, it lacks the additional electrolytes found in Lactated Ringer's. Dextrose solutions can provide calories but wouldn't be the first choice for correcting moderate dehydration with electrolyte imbalances. Moreover, hypertonic solutions like 3% normal saline are generally reserved for cases of severe or chronic hyponatremia, and not for standard dehydration treatment.