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A patient with a fractured hip has received 5% dextrose in water at 150 mL/hour for 48 hours. What symptoms may they exhibit?

Severe headache and dizziness

Nausea, vomiting, lethargy

The correct choice is associated with the administration of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) at a rate of 150 mL/hour over 48 hours. This type of solution is hypotonic when compared to serum osmolality, which can lead to a dilutional effect on serum electrolytes, particularly sodium.

When a patient receives hypotonic fluids for an extended period, they may experience symptoms of hyponatremia due to the dilution of sodium in the blood. Nausea and vomiting can occur as the body's way of signaling electrolyte imbalances. Lethargy can also develop as symptoms of neurological compromise due to swelling of brain cells in cases of severe hyponatremia. These symptoms reflect a direct physiological response to the fluid volume and electrolyte changes resulting from continuous hypotonic fluid infusion.

The other options do not align as closely with the physiological effects expected in this scenario. Severe headache and dizziness might suggest dehydration or other issues, but they are less likely to be specifically related to the continuous infusion of 5% dextrose. Chest pain and shortness of breath could indicate cardiac complications, which are not typically associated with this fluid type. Confusion and agitation might occur in severe cases of disturbance

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Chest pain and shortness of breath

Confusion and agitation

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