Final answer:
D-50-W is a 50% dextrose solution whose precautions include avoiding tissue extravasation to prevent necrosis, monitoring for hyperglycemia and hypokalemia, cautious use in diabetic or hyperglycemic patients, and supplementing with thiamine in deficiency cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Precautions of D-50-W (Dextrose)
When using D-50-W, which is a solution of 50% dextrose in water, certain precautions must be taken. It is important to administer this hypertonic solution carefully to avoid causing harm to the patient. Primarily, it should be ensured that the solution does not extravasate into the surrounding tissues, as this can cause tissue necrosis. Monitoring for signs of hyperglycemia or hypokalemia is necessary because of the rapid increase in blood sugar that D-50-W can induce. In patients with diabetes mellitus or those who are hyperglycemic, D-50-W should be used with extreme caution and under close medical supervision. Additionally, in cases of thiamine deficiency, administering dextrose can precipitate Wernicke's encephalopathy, thus thiamine supplementation may be required before or in conjunction with D-50-W infusion.