The nurse is caring for a patient who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock following injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. The nurse anticipates that the physician will promptly order the administration of a crystalloid IV solution to restore intravascular volume. In addition to normal saline, which crystalloid fluid is commonly used to treat hypovolemic shock?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crystalloids are electrolyte solutions used for the treatment of hypovolemic shock. Lactated Ringers and $0.9 \%$ sodium chloride are isotonic crystalloid fluids commonly used to manage hypovolemic shock. Dextran and albumin are colloids, but Dextran, even as a colloid, is not indicated for the treatment of hypovolemic shock. $3 \% \mathrm{NaCl}$ is a hypertonic solution and is not isotonic.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Exhibiting