Administration of 0.2 NS (osmolality=68) peripherally as maintenance therapy is contraindicated due to risk of
ExplanationA normal plasma osmolality is 285-295 mOsm/kg. Infusing an IV solution peripherally with a much lower osmolality can cause water to move into red blood cells, leading to hemolysis. Thus, 0.2 NS (osmolality = 68) should not be administered peripherally, but D5 0.2NS (osmolality = 346) or D5 ½ NS + 20 mEq/L potassium chloride (KCl) with an osmolality of 472 can be administered.
