Yesterday I walked into my father’s hospital room to find the large volume IV solution had again been changed. First it was changed two days ago from 0.9% normal saline at 150/hr to 0.45% saline at 100/hr. I had been wondering when the balance would change from fluid loss and dehydration to congestive heart failure and fluid overload with that solution and that rate. Yesterday it was 5% Dextrose with sodium bicarbonate, running at 75/hr.
The reasoning for the change is that he gained 11 lbs two days ago, and 7 more yesterday, and may be going into congestive heart failure. And the sodium bicarb is for his kidneys. I asked the nurse, “Does it have to be in Dextrose, and if so, why? The whole reason he is here with a kidney infection is because of out of control blood sugars.” She tried explaining to me that the dextrose had to do with electrolyte balance in the kidney.
Every nurse I come across explains and explains with so much misinformation it kills me, until I tell them I’m a nurse. Then they stop talking, and I start.
I am past the end of my rope. If this doesn’t make me an activist, I don’t know what will.
