0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

0.9% Sodium Chloride

Answer 1

Normal Saline

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

Normal Saline

Answer 2

0.9% Sodium Chloride

Question 3

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Drug Classification:

Answer 3

Isotonic crystalloid solution

Question 4

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

Volume replacement

Water and electrolytes

Question 5

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 5

• Onset of Action = Immediate
• Peak Effects = Immediate
• Duration of Effect = Varies by disease process or until renal clearance
• Half-Life = N/A

Question 6

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications
• Dehydration secondary to heat-related emergency
• Shock/Hypotension/Hypovolemia
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Keep open IV

Contraindications:
• Pulmonary edema
• Severe Hypertension

Question 7

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

May induce pulmonary edema if given to patient with history of CHF

Question 8

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 8

(ADULT): 200-250cc IV, IO, repeat until BPSystolic>100, max dose 2000cc

(PEDI): 20cc/kg IV, IO for > 1mos; 10cc/kg for <1mos

Cardiogenic Shock (PEDI) 5-10cc/kg IV, IO

Question 9

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Precautions:

Answer 9

• May cause depletion of other electrolytes when administered in large volumes
• May dilute oxygen carrying capacity in patient with severe bleeding
• If hypotension persists after 2000cc, consider α1 agonist infusion (i.e. Dopamine)

Question 10

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

Few in EMS