5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)

Question 1

D5W - Class

Answer 1

Hypotonic dextrose-containing solution

Question 2

D5W - Actions

Answer 2

Provides dextrose & free water

Question 3

D5W - Indications

Answer 3

• IV access
• Access for medication administration
• For dilution of medication drips

Question 4

D5W - Dosage/Route

Answer 4

IV TKO or calculated rate

Question 5

D5W - Side Effects

Answer 5

Rare in therapeutic doses

Question 6

D5W - Contraindications

Answer 6

• Do not use for fluid volume replacement in hypovolemic states
• Do not use with phenytoin (Dilantin) or amrinone (Inocor)

Question 7

D5W - Special Information

Answer 7

• Always piggyback into a plain IV line when mixing with an IV drip medication
• D5W is isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic when administered due to rapid metabolism of dextrose

Question 8

D5W - Pediatric Note

Answer 8

• Not recommended for main line

* Can be used for medication drips