Which intervention is appropriate for hyperemesis gravidarum to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance?

Which intervention is appropriate for hyperemesis gravidarum to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance?

• A. Initiate IV fluids with electrolyte correction, administer antiemetics, and monitor weight.
• B. Only provide oral rehydration and avoid IV fluids.
• C. Delay treatment until dehydration is clinically evident.
• D. Initiate tocolysis to decrease fetal activity.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from hyperemesis gravidarum requires restoring fluid volume and correcting electrolytes, while also addressing nausea to reduce further losses. The best approach is to start IV fluids with electrolyte correction and administer antiemetics, with careful monitoring of weight and intake/output. IV therapy provides reliable rehydration when vomiting prevents adequate oral intake, and correcting electrolytes helps prevent dangerous imbalances and fetal risk. After stabilization, advance to oral intake as tolerated and continue monitoring. Relying on oral rehydration alone isn’t usually enough in significant hyperemesis, because persistent vomiting can prevent adequate intake and absorption. Delaying treatment until dehydration is evident allows complications to develop. Tocolysis has no role here; it’s used to suppress uterine contractions, not to address fluid, electrolytes, or nausea.

The key idea is that preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from hyperemesis gravidarum requires restoring fluid volume and correcting electrolytes, while also addressing nausea to reduce further losses. The best approach is to start IV fluids with electrolyte correction and administer antiemetics, with careful monitoring of weight and intake/output. IV therapy provides reliable rehydration when vomiting prevents adequate oral intake, and correcting electrolytes helps prevent dangerous imbalances and fetal risk. After stabilization, advance to oral intake as tolerated and continue monitoring.

Relying on oral rehydration alone isn’t usually enough in significant hyperemesis, because persistent vomiting can prevent adequate intake and absorption. Delaying treatment until dehydration is evident allows complications to develop. Tocolysis has no role here; it’s used to suppress uterine contractions, not to address fluid, electrolytes, or nausea.