A toddler with pneumonia is prescribed intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Which type of intravenous fluid should the nurse expect to provide to this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intravenous fluid administered to children must be isotonic to prevent destruction of red blood cells or development of water intoxication. The use of isotonic fluid prevents fluid shifting from the bloodstream into interstitial tissue or fluid shifting from interstitial tissue into the bloodstream. A 0.9% normal saline is the IV fluid most commonly used in children because it is isotonic. Solutions containing 5% dextrose or 10% are hypertonic and could cause fluid shifting from interstitial tissue into the blood stream.

A Toddler with Pneumonia Is Prescribed Intravenous Fluids and Antibiotics