A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia. Which of the following IV solutions should the nurse plan to administer?

Rationale: A. 0.45% sodium chloride: This is a hypotonic solution that helps lower serum sodium levels by diluting extracellular sodium and promoting cellular rehydration. It is commonly used to treat hypernatremia when there is no significant fluid volume overload. B. 0.9% sodium chloride: This isotonic solution contains the same concentration of sodium as the blood. It does not correct hypernatremia and may worsen it if sodium levels are already elevated, especially in dehydrated clients. C. Lactated Ringer's: While this is an isotonic fluid, it contains sodium and electrolytes that do not help reduce high serum sodium levels. It is more appropriate for fluid resuscitation than for treating hypernatremia. D. 3% sodium chloride: This hypertonic solution is used for severe hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. Administering it to someone with elevated sodium levels would further increase sodium concentration and worsen the condition.