5% dextrose in water, also known as 5% D5W, is a sterile, isotonic solution that is commonly used in intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and as a diluent for blood products. It provides a source of carbohydrates and fluid to patients who are unable to maintain adequate hydration or nutrient intake through oral means.
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5% dextrose in water is an intravenous (IV) fluid that is commonly used to replace fluid losses and provide a source of carbohydrates to patients.
The 5% concentration of dextrose in the solution is designed to be isotonic with the body's fluids, allowing for the exchange of water without significant net movement of solutes.
In total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 5% dextrose in water is often used as the carbohydrate component, providing a readily available source of energy for the body.
When used as a diluent for blood products, 5% dextrose in water helps maintain the appropriate osmolarity and pH of the final solution.
The administration of 5% dextrose in water is carefully monitored to ensure proper fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as to avoid complications such as hyperglycemia.
Review Questions
Explain the role of 5% dextrose in water in intravenous fluid therapy.
In intravenous fluid therapy, 5% dextrose in water is used to replace fluid losses and provide a source of carbohydrates to patients who are unable to maintain adequate hydration or nutrient intake through oral means. The 5% concentration of dextrose is designed to be isotonic with the body's fluids, allowing for the exchange of water without significant net movement of solutes. This helps to maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the patient.
Describe the use of 5% dextrose in water in the context of total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
In total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 5% dextrose in water is often used as the carbohydrate component, providing a readily available source of energy for the body. The solution is administered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, to provide nourishment to patients who cannot or should not receive nutrition orally or enterally. The careful monitoring of 5% dextrose in water administration is crucial to ensure proper fluid and electrolyte balance and to avoid complications such as hyperglycemia.
Analyze the role of 5% dextrose in water as a diluent for blood products.
When used as a diluent for blood products, 5% dextrose in water helps maintain the appropriate osmolarity and pH of the final solution. This is important to ensure the compatibility and stability of the blood product, as well as to prevent potential adverse reactions in the patient. The use of 5% dextrose in water as a diluent helps to create a physiologically balanced solution that can be safely administered to the patient, supporting the therapeutic goals of blood product transfusion.
Related terms
Isotonic Solution: A solution with the same osmotic pressure as the body's fluids, allowing for the exchange of water without the net movement of solutes.
Dextrose: A type of simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is the primary source of energy for the body's cells.
Parenteral Nutrition: The administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, to provide nourishment to patients who cannot or should not receive nutrition orally or enterally.