A client is about to receive D10W (10% dextrose in water) as part of their treatment plan.
The nurse explains that this intravenous fluid contains Dextrose 100 g/L and Water 900 mL.
Which of the following statements made by the client indicates a correct understanding of their treatment?
A.
“This IV fluid will provide me with hydration and calories.”.
B.
“This IV fluid will help lower my blood sugar levels.”.
C.
“This IV fluid will provide me with essential electrolytes.”.
D.
“This IV fluid will help increase my blood pressure.”..
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. “This IV fluid will provide me with hydration and calories.”
Explanation:
D10W, or 10% dextrose in water, is an intravenous (IV) solution that contains 100 grams of dextrose per liter of fluid. It is classified as a hypertonic solution, meaning that the concentration of solutes (dextrose) in the fluid is higher than that in the body’s cells. Dextrose is a form of glucose, which is a simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for the body.
Why Option A is Correct:
This IV fluid provides both hydration and calories. Water in the solution hydrates the body, and dextrose provides a caloric value (approximately 3.4 kcal per gram). Therefore, D10W provides about 340 kcal per liter, which can be essential for clients who are unable to take in nutrition orally or need additional energy sources. This helps support metabolic functions when oral intake is not possible or insufficient.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Option B (“This IV fluid will help lower my blood sugar levels.”) is incorrect because D10W contains dextrose, which is a form of sugar. Rather than lowering blood sugar levels, it can raise them, especially in clients who have difficulty metabolizing glucose, such as those with diabetes. Nurses must monitor blood glucose levels when administering dextrose-containing solutions.
- Option C (“This IV fluid will provide me with essential electrolytes.”) is incorrect because D10W does not contain electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, or chloride. It consists only of dextrose and water, so it does not contribute to electrolyte balance.
- Option D (“This IV fluid will help increase my blood pressure.”) is incorrect because while D10W is hypertonic, it is not typically used to directly increase blood pressure. Fluids like saline or colloids are more commonly used for this purpose.
In summary, D10W provides hydration and calories but does not supply electrolytes or directly affect blood pressure management.