Chapter 8: IV Therapy
8.4 IV Fluids
Critical Thinking Exercises: Questions, Answers, and Sources / References
- Describe what is meant by isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic. Describe a situation where each of these kinds of IV solutions might be used. Answer:
| Solution | Isotonic | Hypotonic | Hypertonic |
| Osmolality | 250 to 375 mOsm/L | equal to or less than 250 mOsm/L. | equal to or greater than 375 mOsm/L |
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| Potential complications |
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Source: Crawford, A., & Harris, H. (2011). IV fluids: What nurses need to know. Nursing 2018, 41(5), 30-38. http://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2011/05000/I_V__fluids_What_nurses_need_to_know.10.aspx?WT.mc_id=HPxADx20100319xMP
Johnson A., Criddle, L. (2004). Pass the salt: Indications for and implications of using hypertonic saline. Critical Care Nurse, 24(5). pp.36-48. http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/24/5/36.full.pdf+html
Rosenthal, K. (2012). IV Rounds: Intravenous fluids: the whys and wherefores. Nursing, 36(7). https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=652137&Journal_ID=54016&Issue_ID=652101
| Answer true or false to the following statements: | Answer | Further explanation |
| Hypotonic solutions must be used carefully in persons with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to risk of exacerbating the condition. | True | Hypotonic solutions hydrate cells including brain cells. |
| Isotonic solutions can cause hypervolemia. | True | Isotonic solutions general remain in the vascular space. |
| Ringers Lactate contains more electrolytes than Normal saline. | True | Both solutions are isotonic, but RL provides other electrolytes |
| Hypertonic solutions used over an extended period can increase a person’s risk for hypervolemia. | True | Hypertonic solutions increase extracellular volume. They are also known as volume expanders. |
Source: as above