Calculate the fluid deficit for a 65-kg female with a serum sodium of 160 mEq/L.
A) 3.8 L
B) 2 L
C) 4.9 L
D) 2.3 L
E) 3.5 L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate fluid deficit, we need to know the patient's water deficit, which is:
Water deficit = (total body water) x [(serum sodium/140) - 1]
Total body water in a 65-kg female is approximately 42 L. 
Plugging in the values:
Water deficit = 42 x [(160/140) - 1] = 4.9 L. 
Therefore, the answer is choice C.

Calculate the Fluid Deficit for a 65-Kg Female with a Serum