What is the standard fluid resuscitation for an adult with dehydration?

What is the standard fluid resuscitation for an adult with dehydration?

• A. Normal Saline: 1 L IV/IO
• B. Normal Saline: 20 ml/kg IV/IO
• C. D10: 5 ml/kg IV/IO
• D. Zofran: 4 mg IV/IO/PO

Answer: (A)

When an adult is dehydrated with signs of reduced circulating volume, the immediate goal is to restore intravascular volume quickly to improve perfusion. An IV or IO bolus of isotonic saline is the standard approach because it expands the extracellular fluid and increases preload, helping to raise blood pressure and improve organ perfusion without causing harmful shifts of water into or out of cells. The other options don’t address this primary need. A dextrose-containing solution supplies calories but doesn’t reliably correct the volume deficit and can complicate osmolar balance if given as a rapid resuscitation fluid. An antiemetic helps with nausea but does not replenish fluids. Weight-based dosing is more commonly used in pediatric care; for adults, a fixed isotonic fluid bolus is the standard initial step.

When an adult is dehydrated with signs of reduced circulating volume, the immediate goal is to restore intravascular volume quickly to improve perfusion. An IV or IO bolus of isotonic saline is the standard approach because it expands the extracellular fluid and increases preload, helping to raise blood pressure and improve organ perfusion without causing harmful shifts of water into or out of cells.

The other options don’t address this primary need. A dextrose-containing solution supplies calories but doesn’t reliably correct the volume deficit and can complicate osmolar balance if given as a rapid resuscitation fluid. An antiemetic helps with nausea but does not replenish fluids. Weight-based dosing is more commonly used in pediatric care; for adults, a fixed isotonic fluid bolus is the standard initial step.