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Discussion

Maintenance IV fluids?

I'm very confused and feel kind of dumb. : /

First-this is an assignment, but I don't want anyone to give me the answers. I just need help understanding so I can figure this all out.

I have to do a case study as a make up assignment. The case study is over a elderly pt with pneumonia. It gives the orders and one of them is D5 1/2NS at 125ml/hr. The question is asking if that is appropriate for the pt and it wants a rationale. The problem is I have no idea what D5 1/2NS is or what it does. I've been trying to research it this morning and I feel like the more I read the more confused I'm making my self. Could someone please help me understand what this is. I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm in my 2nd quarter and we haven't gone over IV fluids yet. :(

Thanks.

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    D 5 1/2 NS = Dextrose 5% in HALF of normal saline, which is .45% NS. It's a hypertonic solution.

    Hope that helps a little.

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    In addition to the above post- hypertonic means that it has a higher concentration of particals than blood. So, by the rule of diffusion, it pulls fluid from the interstitial and intercellular space into the vascular space. So it increases the volume of fluid in circulation. Depending on the hydration status of the patient, it can either remove unnecessary interstitial fluid (such as in edema) or actually dehydrate the cells.

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    In addition to the above post- hypertonic means that it has a higher concentration of particals than blood. So, by the rule of diffusion, it pulls fluid from the interstitial and intercellular space into the vascular space. So it increases the volume of fluid in circulation. Depending on the hydration status of the patient, it can either remove unnecessary interstitial fluid (such as in edema) or actually dehydrate the cells.

    It's hypertonic while it's in the bag. Once infused the dextrose is quickly metabolized and you are left with 1/2 NS in circulation. So even though it starts off hypertonic, it turns to 1/2 NS (hypotonic) and can be used for re hydration.

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    Which is good because it will help to liquify the secretions in the lungs making them easier to cough up.

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    And if your elderly person is not having good oral intake the D5 is good for them. The rate is high for maintenance unless the person is dehydrated, NPO etc.

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