IV Fluids are used to do what?

• A. Replenish fluids in dehydration
• B. Deliver nutrition via IV
• C. Provide oxygen
• D. Deliver medications orally

Answer: (A)

IV fluids replenish fluid volume in dehydration. They deliver water and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream, which makes them fast-acting and effective when a person cannot take fluids by mouth or needs rapid correction of fluid deficit. While some IV solutions can provide calories or specific electrolytes, the primary purpose in dehydration is rehydration and restoring circulating volume to support tissue perfusion and blood pressure. Delivering nutrition via IV is a separate, specialized approach (parenteral nutrition) used when the gut can’t absorb nutrients, not the general purpose of IV fluids for dehydration. Oxygen is supplied through the lungs and respiratory support, not through IV fluids. And IV fluids do not deliver medications orally; the IV route administers fluids and any IV medications directly into the bloodstream, not by mouth.