A client is prescribed 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline), which is

A client is prescribed 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline), which is an isotonic solution. The nurse recognizes the primary goal of such intravenous therapy is to:

1. Expand the volume of fluid in the vascular system
2. Pull fluid from the cells
3. Keep protein levels normal
4. Move fluid into the cells

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Isotonic solutions such as normal saline, 0.9% sodium chloride, expand the body’s fluid volume without causing a fluid shift from one compartment to another. The remaining options describe the function of other types of fluids.