Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Which IV solution is recommended for patients requiring large volumes in a prehospital setting?

1. Neutral solutions

2. Isotonic solutions

3. Hypertonic solutions

4. Hypotonic solutions

The correct answer is: Isotonic solutions

Isotonic solutions are recommended for patients requiring large volumes in a prehospital setting because they have a similar osmolarity to the body's plasma, which helps maintain fluid balance and prevent cellular shrinking or swelling. When administering IV fluids, it is crucial to choose a solution that will effectively replace lost fluids without causing drastic changes in the body’s osmotic status. In emergencies, isotonic solutions such as Normal Saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or Lactated Ringer's solution are commonly used. These solutions allow for efficient volume resuscitation, making them ideal for treating conditions like shock or dehydration, where rapid fluid replacement is necessary to support circulation and organ function. Other types of solutions, such as hypertonic and hypotonic, can have different effects; hypertonic solutions can draw water out of cells and potentially lead to cellular dehydration, while hypotonic solutions can cause cells to swell and may lead to complications such as cerebral edema if not monitored closely. Neutral solutions are less commonly defined in this context and typically refer to a balanced approach but do not specifically indicate a standard practice for large volume resuscitation in emergencies.