1. A nurse is preparing to administer 0.9% NaCl (normal saline solution)

to a client who has dehydration. Which of the following statements is true

about this type of IV fluid?

a) It is isotonic and has the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma.

b) It is hypotonic and has lesser concentration of solutes than blood

plasma.

c) It is hypertonic and has greater concentration of solutes than blood

plasma.

d) It is a colloid and contains large molecules that do not cross the

capillary membrane.

Answer: A

Rationale: 0.9% NaCl is an isotonic solution that has the same osmolarity

as blood plasma. It is used to replace fluid losses without causing fluid

shifts between compartments.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and

is receiving intravenous therapy with dextrose 5% in water (D5W). The

nurse knows that this type of IV fluid is:

a) Isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body as dextrose is

metabolized.

b) Hypotonic in the bag but becomes isotonic in the body as dextrose is

metabolized.

c) Hypertonic in the bag but becomes isotonic in the body as dextrose is

metabolized.

d) Hypertonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body as dextrose is

metabolized.

Answer: A

Rationale: D5W is isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body

as dextrose is rapidly metabolized by cells, leaving only water. It is used

to provide calories and water, and to treat hypernatremia and DKA.

3. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving intravenous therapy

with lactated Ringer's solution. The nurse understands that this type of IV

fluid contains:

a) Sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and lactate.

b) Sodium, potassium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and phosphate.

c) Sodium, chloride, acetate, gluconate, and malate.