Question

The nurse is preparing to administer IV fluids to a client with a serum potassium of 6.2. The nurse would question the order if it was for which of the following fluids

A. D5W
B. 0.9% NS
C. D51/2 NS
D. LR

Answer 1

The nurse should question the order for Lactated Ringer's (LR), as it contains potassium, which can worsen hyperkalemia in a patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2. Other fluids like D5W, 0.9% NS, and D51/2 NS do not contain significant potassium and are safer alternatives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would question the order if it was for Lactated Ringer's (LR) fluid, as LR contains additional potassium which could exacerbate hyperkalemia when the serum potassium level is already elevated at 6.2.

Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by high serum potassium levels that can be dangerous. Therefore, administering an IV fluid that contains more potassium, such as LR, would not be appropriate in this situation. The other listed intravenous fluids, such as D5W, 0.9% NS, and D51/2 NS, do not contain significant amounts of potassium and would generally be safer alternatives. However, IV solutions must always be chosen considering the patient's current electrolyte balance and overall clinical status.

Medical staff often prepare IV solutions from more concentrated stock solutions using dilution calculations to achieve the desired concentration for each patient's specific needs, as specified by the physician's orders.