Your Patient Is a 68-Year-Old Male Who Is Conscious but Confused

Multiple Choice

Your patient is a 68-year-old male who is conscious but confused and lying on his kitchen floor. The patient offers no complaint other than wishing to be helped up from the floor. The patient can tell you that he "slipped a few days ago" and has been on the floor since. Physical examination reveals dry, cool skin; dry mucous membranes; clear lung sounds bilaterally; and no indications of trauma. HR = 112, BP = 98/70, RR = 14, SaO₂ = 96%. Your partner finds an appointment card indicating the patient missed a hemodialysis appointment two days ago. Which of the following is the best course for managing this patient?

A) 1,000 mL fluid bolus
B) 250 mL fluid bolus
C) IV of NS at a keep-open rate
D) Dopamine infusion