PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a concerning potential complication from administering dextrose solutions to a brain injury patient?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Fluid overload

3. Worsening brain edema

4. Electrolyte imbalance

The correct answer is: Worsening brain edema

Administering dextrose solutions to a patient with a brain injury raises particular concerns primarily due to the potential for worsening brain edema. Dextrose can cause an osmotic shift and lead to a situation where fluid is drawn into the brain tissue. This can exacerbate existing edema or contribute to the formation of new edema, ultimately increasing intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental in patients with traumatic brain injury. In contrast, while hypoglycemia, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances are valid concerns when administering intravenous fluids, they are not as directly linked to the specific context of a brain injury as the aspect of edema. Hypoglycemia would typically not result from dextrose administration, and fluid overload can be managed with careful monitoring. Electrolyte imbalances are also possible, yet they do not have the same immediate and severe implications for brain health and intracranial pressure as worsening edema does. Therefore, recognizing the risk of exacerbating brain edema is crucial when managing the fluid status of brain injury patients.