The physician orders a hypertonic crystalloid solution for the patient in critical care who has cerebral edema. The nurse hangs a bag of a hypotonic solution. What will the priority assessment by the nurse include?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority assessment should focus on signs of worsening cerebral edema, such as headache, irritability, and decreasing level of consciousness, which can occur if a hypotonic solution is administered instead of the ordered hypertonic solution.

The Physician Orders a Hypertonic Crystalloid Solution for the Patient