Lactated Ringers VS 0.9% Saline

Nurses Medications

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I am doing a case study with a patient who has a fluid volume deficit and I am unsure if would administer regular saline or lactated ringers. The information given is that the patient was working on a farm outside and has very little to drink. He feels fatigued and doesn't eat lunch or dinner choosing to sleep instead and so he hasn't eaten all day. He wakes up the next day with swollen hands and feet, a headache, and dizziness and goes to the hospital. I am unsure if his electrolytes would be depleted enough to necessitate the use of LR. Any thoughts?

Given that the patient is clinically dehydrated and hasn't eaten, they could be hypoglycemic at this point which could result in lactic acidosis. Also, the patient has swollen hands and feet. He is probably anuric or oliguric at this time. LR would probably be a better choice between the two because of his clinical picture.

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