IV Fluid/Solution Quick Reference Guide

Description

• Intravenous Solutions are used in fluid replacement therapy by changing the composition of the serum by adding fluids and electrolytes.

Listed below is a table which may serve as your quick reference guide on the different intravenous solutions.

Type	Description	Osmolality	Use	Miscellaneous
Normal Saline (NS)	0.9% NaCl in WaterCrystalloid Solution	Isotonic (308 mOsm)	Increases circulating plasma volume when red cells are adequate	Replaces losses without altering fluid concentrations. Helpful for Na+ replacement
1/2 Normal Saline (1/2 NS)	0.45% NaCl in WaterCrystalloid Solution	Hypotonic (154 mOsm)	Raises total fluid volume	Useful for daily maintenance of body fluid, but is of less value for replacement of NaCldeficit. Helpful for establishing renal function. Fluid replacement for clients who don’t need extra glucose (diabetics)
Lactated Ringer’s (LR)	Normal saline with electrolytes and buffer	Isotonic (275 mOsm)	Replaces fluid and buffers pH	Normal saline with K+, Ca++, and lactate (buffer) Often seen with surgery
D5W	Dextrose 5% in water Crystalloid solution	Isotonic (in the bag) *Physiologically hypotonic (260 mOsm)	Raises  total fluid volume.Helpful in rehydrating and excretory purposes.	Provides 170-200 calories/1,000cc for energy. Physiologically hypotonic -the dextrose is metabolized quickly so that only water remains – a hypotonic fluid
D5NS	Dextrose 5% in 0.9% saline	Hypertonic (560 mOsm)	Replaces fluid sodium, chloride, and calories.	Watch for fluid volume overload
D5 1/2 NS	Dextrose 5% in 0.45% saline	Hypertonic (406 mOsm)	Useful for daily maintenance of body fluids and nutrition, and for rehydration.	Most common postoperative fluid
D5LR	Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer’s	Hypertonic (575 mOsm)	Same as LR plus provides about 180 calories per 1000cc’s.	Watch for fluid volume overload
Normosol-R	Normosol	Isotonic (295 mOsm)	Replaces fluid and buffers pH	pH 7.4 Contains sodium, chloride, calcium,       potassium and magnesium Common fluid for OR and PACU

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