stupid question

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

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

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.

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

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.

Is this a trick question?

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