RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 214 of 2368

A client receiving 0.45% sodium chloride develops a new headache and confusion. Which complication does the nurse suspect?

  1. Fluid moving out of cells into the blood vessels
  2. Cerebral edema from fluid moving into cells
  3. Hyperkalemia from potassium leaving the cells
  4. Pulmonary embolism from clot formation
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Correct answer: Cerebral edema from fluid moving into cells

Hypotonic fluid moves water from the blood vessels into cells. Too much movement can cause cerebral edema and worse hypovolemia.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Hypotonic Solutions. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026