stupid question

[SDA3694]

How is it that D5w and dextrose5% sodium chloride 0.9% differ?

[Cassaundra]

D5 W is just sugar water - no sodium. D5 NS is salty sugar water.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

why did you think this question was stupid? it is important to know! and all of us had to learn at some point

[MB37]

And the underlying fluid (W vs. NS) is hypotonic, even though most textbooks consider D5W isotonic. Once your body takes up the glucose, the water that remains can act as a hypotonic solution and cause fluid to shift into the cells.

[Mell Bell]

Definitely not a stupid question. If you're not sure of something, it's stupid not to ask.

[GilaRRT]

And the underlying fluid (W vs. NS) is hypotonic, even though most textbooks consider D5W isotonic. Once your body takes up the glucose, the water that remains can act as a hypotonic solution and cause fluid to shift into the cells.

This pretty much sums it up. D5W is simply 5 grams of dextrose per 100 ML of water, and quickly becomes hypertonic as glucose is utilized leaving behind free water. 0.9 % saline is simply 0.9 grams of sodium chloride per 100 ML of water.

[groanup]

Is this a trick question?

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

There isn't any such thing as a stupid question. Unless you don't ask. Sodium chloride 0.9% mimics your body's natural fluids it is isotonic I believe. If I'm wrong someone please correct me. D5W is Dextrose in water, and can be used to treat hypoglycemia, amoung other uses. it is hyopotonic. there is a good thread on here that will explain more about D5W

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/d5w-with-0-a-332593.html