Intravenous Fluids · NCLEX Exam

Why is hypotonic IV fluid like 0.45% NaCl considered risky in patients with intravascular depletion?

  1. It increases intravascular volume by staying in vessels
  2. It draws water out of cells into the bloodstream rapidly
  3. It shifts water into cells, worsening intravascular depletion
  4. It remains entirely within the vascular compartment long-term
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Correct answer: It shifts water into cells, worsening intravascular depletion

Hypotonic solutions like 0.45% NaCl have lower solute concentration than plasma, causing fluid to shift into cells and potentially worsening intravascular depletion.

Difficulty: Medium Question 3 of 20

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