More questions on this topic
More questions on this topic ( 27 Questions)
The nurse is caring for a patient with severe burns who is receiving IV fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution. The nurse understands that this type of solution is used for this patient because it:
This is incorrect because lactated Ringer's solution does not provide free water, which is water without electrolytes. Free water is used to correct cellular dehydration, not fluid loss from burns.
This is correct because lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic fluid that has the same osmotic pressure as blood. It expands intravascular volume and replaces electrolytes that are lost from burns. It also contains sodium lactate, which is metabolized to bicarbonate and helps correct metabolic acidosis.
This is incorrect because lactated Ringer's solution does not pull fluid into the vascular space from the cells. This would be the effect of a hypertonic fluid, which has a higher osmotic pressure than blood. Hypertonic fluids are not recommended for burn patients because they can cause cellular dehydration and increase the risk of hypernatremia.
This is incorrect because lactated Ringer's solution does not move fluid into the cells to replace cellular dehydration. This would be the effect of a hypotonic fluid, which has a lower osmotic pressure than blood. Hypotonic fluids are not recommended for burn patients because they can cause intravascular depletion and hypotension.