HELP! Use of 2/3 & 1/3 IV

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Can anyone please let me know when nurses/doctors use 2/3 & 1/3 IV (I.e., 3.3% Dextrose and 0.3% NS)? Is this solution HYPO or HYPER tonic? I tried to scour the internet for answers but did not come up with anything :cry: Thanks!

I think what you mean is .45% NaCl (half normal saline) and .33% NaCl (one-third normal saline) which are hypotonic solutions used to provide free water and treats cellular hydration.They are used to promote kidney waste elimination and should not be used for patients with third spacing. I'm a student myself so let me know if I am wrong about this!:bugeyes:

2/3 & 1/3 is a hypotonic crystalloid that is sometimes prescribed post-op. It has been associated with pediatric deaths due to hyponatremia. Once inside the body the dextrose is rapidly metabolized. The remaining solution supplies free water. Reported pediatric deaths were due to cerebral herniation.

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