Which scenario aligns with the use of D5% normal saline according to the notes?

• A. Edema fluid returned to the vasculature to be urinated out of the body
• B. Treat dehydration from vomiting with isotonic saline
• C. Correct for hypernatremia with hypotonic fluids
• D. Provide calories for energy via dextrose

Answer: (A)

D5% normal saline is used to temporarily expand the intravascular volume while also delivering calories via the dextrose. After the dextrose is metabolized, what remains is essentially saline, which can help pull edema fluid from the interstitial space back into the vascular compartment so it can be filtered and excreted by the kidneys. That makes the scenario where edema fluid is mobilized into the bloodstream for diuresis the best fit for how D5% NS is described in the notes.

While D5NS does provide calories, using it for dehydration from vomiting is less precise, since isotonic saline is typically preferred for rehydration without the added glucose. Correcting hypernatremia generally requires hypotonic fluids to lower sodium, not D5% NS.