What is the concentration of dextrose used in Dextrose 10% solutions?

• A. 5%
• B. 25%
• C. 10%
• D. 50%

Answer: (C)

Concentrations of IV dextrose are expressed as a percentage, which means grams of dextrose per 100 milliliters of solution. A dextrose solution labeled as 10% contains 10 grams of dextrose in every 100 milliliters, so the concentration is 10%. If the strength were different—5% would mean 5 g per 100 mL, 25% would be 25 g per 100 mL, and 50% would be 50 g per 100 mL—they would be labeled accordingly, not as 10%.