In SIADH care, which fluid is used to flush enteral tubes?

In SIADH care, which fluid is used to flush enteral tubes?

• A. 0.9% sodium chloride
• B. 5% dextrose in water
• C. Lactated Ringer's
• D. Distilled water

Answer: (A)

In SIADH, the body holds onto too much water, diluting the blood sodium level. When flushing an enteral tube, you want to avoid adding free water that could further lower sodium. Using a fluid that is isotonic with blood and provides salt without introducing extra free water helps maintain sodium and intravascular volume. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) fits this goal: it supplies sodium and chloride and stays close to plasma osmolality, reducing the risk of worsening hyponatremia. Fluids that add free water—like distilled water or 5% dextrose in water—can dilute sodium, and options like Lactated Ringer’s introduce additional electrolytes that may complicate the electrolyte balance. So, the best choice for flushing is isotonic saline.

In SIADH, the body holds onto too much water, diluting the blood sodium level. When flushing an enteral tube, you want to avoid adding free water that could further lower sodium. Using a fluid that is isotonic with blood and provides salt without introducing extra free water helps maintain sodium and intravascular volume. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) fits this goal: it supplies sodium and chloride and stays close to plasma osmolality, reducing the risk of worsening hyponatremia. Fluids that add free water—like distilled water or 5% dextrose in water—can dilute sodium, and options like Lactated Ringer’s introduce additional electrolytes that may complicate the electrolyte balance. So, the best choice for flushing is isotonic saline.