RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 216 of 2368

A client with a serum pH of 7.52 has an order for lactated Ringer's solution. What should the nurse do?

  1. Give the solution because it is isotonic and safe to use with this lab value
  2. Give the solution at a slower rate to avoid worsening the alkalosis
  3. Give the solution with potassium added to correct the electrolyte imbalance
  4. Question the order because this solution can worsen alkalosis
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Correct answer: Question the order because this solution can worsen alkalosis

Lactated Ringer's should not be used when serum pH is greater than 7.5 because it will worsen alkalosis.

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

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026