In the irregular tachycardia protocol, what fluid bolus is considered?

• A. Dextrose 50 mL
• B. Normal saline 500 mL to 1000 mL
• C. Lactated Ringer 500 mL
• D. Normal saline 1000 mL

Answer: (B)

In irregular tachycardia, you assess perfusion and use a fluid bolus to improve preload when there are signs of poor perfusion or hypotension. The fluid of choice is an isotonic crystalloid given as a moderate bolus and then reassessed. This helps raise intravascular volume quickly without introducing osmotic shifts that other solutions might. Dextrose-containing fluids are used for glucose issues, not for volume expansion in this context. Lactated Ringer's is a crystalloid alternative, but the protocol specifies normal saline as the bolus of choice. After administering, monitor the patient and repeat as needed based on response and any signs of fluid overload or contraindications.