D5W 1/2 NS in pulmonary embolism

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Can anyone help me to explain why D5W1/2NS, continuous infusion, is used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism with complications of bilateral lobe infiltrates? Is it a hypertonic or hypotonic solution? How does it specifically work? Thanks!

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Specializes in Home Health/Hospice.

Funny when I had PE's ten on one lung 12 in the other I did not get that treatment.

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It's just maintenance fluid. Your not actually treating the PE, you are just giving it as part of standard care.

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Can anyone help me to explain why D5W1/2NS, continuous infusion, is used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism with complications of bilateral lobe infiltrates? Is it a hypertonic or hypotonic solution? How does it specifically work? Thanks!

D5 1/2 is hypertonic in the bag, but because the body metabolizes the dextrose, it is isotonic in action. There is a very good article on Tonicity and IVFs that is well worth reading. The clear explanations of special warnings makes them easy to remember.

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D51/2 NS is hypotonic, as is plain 1/2 NS. NS, LR and D5NS are the only 3 isotonic solutions I remember. I only ever learned fluids as they function upon introduction to the bloodstream.

Please refresh this tired brain if I am wrong.

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According to emedicine: "Fluid loading should be avoided unless the patient's hemodynamic condition is deteriorating rapidly, because IV fluids may worsen the patient's condition."

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As far as I know, the maintenance fluid has nothing to do with the treatment of the PE. Heparin drip would.

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