In what situation might hypotonic IV solutions be contraindicated?

In what situation might hypotonic IV solutions be contraindicated?

• A. In patients with hypernatremia
• B. In patients with liver dysfunction
• C. In patients with hypovolemia
• D. In patients experiencing fluid overload

Answer: (C)

Hypotonic IV solutions are designed to have a lower concentration of solutes compared to the blood plasma, which can lead to fluid moving into cells to achieve equilibrium. This action can be beneficial in specific clinical situations, particularly in cases of dehydration where the cells need replenishment. However, administering hypotonic solutions to patients experiencing hypovolemia is contraindicated because these patients may already have an inadequate blood volume and a potential risk of further decreasing plasma osmolality. In the case of hypovolemia, providing hypotonic fluids can exacerbate the situation by diluting the plasma volume already compromised due to fluid loss. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and exacerbate any symptoms associated with low volume status, such as dizziness or shock. Instead, isotonic or hypertonic solutions are often more appropriate in these scenarios to restore circulatory volume without causing further dilution of blood solutes. In contrast, the other options—hypernatremia, liver dysfunction, and fluid overload—have different implications and management strategies where hypotonic fluids may still be considered depending on the overall clinical picture. For instance, in hypernatremia, correcting the sodium imbalance may require cautious use of hypotonic solutions, and in patients with liver dysfunction, fluid

Hypotonic IV solutions are designed to have a lower concentration of solutes compared to the blood plasma, which can lead to fluid moving into cells to achieve equilibrium. This action can be beneficial in specific clinical situations, particularly in cases of dehydration where the cells need replenishment. However, administering hypotonic solutions to patients experiencing hypovolemia is contraindicated because these patients may already have an inadequate blood volume and a potential risk of further decreasing plasma osmolality.

In the case of hypovolemia, providing hypotonic fluids can exacerbate the situation by diluting the plasma volume already compromised due to fluid loss. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and exacerbate any symptoms associated with low volume status, such as dizziness or shock. Instead, isotonic or hypertonic solutions are often more appropriate in these scenarios to restore circulatory volume without causing further dilution of blood solutes.

In contrast, the other options—hypernatremia, liver dysfunction, and fluid overload—have different implications and management strategies where hypotonic fluids may still be considered depending on the overall clinical picture. For instance, in hypernatremia, correcting the sodium imbalance may require cautious use of hypotonic solutions, and in patients with liver dysfunction, fluid