Back to notes
Describe the mechanism and a clinical application for hypotonic IV solutions.
Press to flip
Hypotonic solutions cause water to shift into cells, causing them to swell. They are used for conditions causing cellular dehydration like DKA and HHNS.
Why might Lactated Ringers be preferred over Normal Saline in cases of trauma or surgery?
Lactated Ringers contains electrolytes that help replace those lost during trauma or surgery, making it suitable for such situations.
What should be considered when selecting an IV fluid for administration?
Consider the patient's condition, the desired effect on cellular fluid balance, and potential risks associated with a fluid's tonicity.
How does Hypertonic Saline help in conditions like cerebral edema?
Hypertonic Saline draws water out of swollen brain cells, reducing pressure and preventing further brain damage caused by the edema.
Define the term 'tonicity' in the context of IV fluids.
Tonicity refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution that determines the movement of water across a cell membrane.
What is osmosis in the context of IV fluid administration?
Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane along a concentration gradient, moving from areas of high water concentration to low water concentration.
What is the mnemonic for remembering the effects of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions on cells?
For hypotonic: 'Hypo equals Hippo' (cells swell), and for hypertonic: 'Hyper equals skinny' (cells shrink).
What are some examples of isotonic IV solutions?
Examples of isotonic IV solutions include Normal Saline (0.9% Sodium Chloride) and Lactated Ringers.
What are the basic characteristics and usage of Normal Saline as an IV fluid?
Normal Saline is an isotonic solution that provides volume expansion by staying within the bloodstream, commonly used for dehydration.
What roles can nurse advocates play concerning IV fluid therapies?
Nurse advocates can discuss and recommend appropriate treatment strategies with providers, relying on their knowledge of fluid therapies.
What are potential risks associated with administering hypertonic solutions?
Hypertonic solutions can cause cells to shrink by pulling water out of them, which can lead to imbalances such as cellular dehydration and can stress the cardiovascular system if not monitored correctly.
Why is monitoring important during IV fluid administration?
Monitoring is crucial to ensure appropriate patient response, correct dosage, and proper infusion rates to prevent adverse effects.
What is the main goal when administering IV fluids in clinical practice?
The goal is to restore homeostasis by ensuring that fluid administration does not cause excessive swelling or shrinking of cells.
Which IV fluid could be used to treat cellular dehydration caused by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A hypotonic solution such as Half Normal Saline (0.45%) may be used to treat cellular dehydration in DKA.
Explain the principle behind isotonic IV solutions.
Isotonic solutions have the same concentration as blood plasma, which allows them to expand volume without causing water to move into or out of the body's cells.
Previous
Next