The nurse working in the emergency department is caring for a ...

[clippers!]

The nurse working in the emergency department is caring for a client who experienced deep-thickness burns over 40 of the body and is in shock. Which prescription does the nurse anticipate for this client?
 
  1. Electrolyte solutions
  2. Volume expanders
  3. Nutrient solutions
  4. Total parenteral nutrition

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client with a medical diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure. Which IV fluid order would the nurse accept without questioning?
 
  1. Run normal saline at 125 mL/hour.
  2. Run 5 dextrose in water at 80 mL/hour.
  3. Run 5 dextrose in 0.45 NaCl at 75 mL/hour.
  4. Run half-normal saline at 200 mL/hour.

[cpetit11]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

Initially, the client who is in shock will require volume expanders. Once vital signs are stabilized, the primary care provider may order electrolyte solutions. Long term, this client might require total parenteral nutrition if he is unable to maintain adequate calorie intake orally, but nutritional solutions would not be a priority concern this early in the client's course of treatment.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Isotonic and hypotonic fluids should not be administered to clients with increased intracranial pressure, because they increase the risk of cerebral edema. D5 in one-half normal saline is hypertonic, and would be an acceptable IV solution for this client. Normal saline and D5W are isotonic solutions, and so would need to be questioned. Half-normal saline is hypotonic, and so would not be advisable for this client.

[clippers!]

Great answer, keep it coming

[tranoy]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it