Cardiovascular: Pharmacology - Intravenous fluid solutions

Question 1

Describe the pH, osmolality and composition of 0.9% sodium chloride

Answer 1

pH 5
Na 154mmol/L
Cl 154mmol/L
Osmolality 300mOsm/kg

Question 2

Describe the pH, osmolality and composition of compound sodium lactate (Hartmann’s)

Answer 2

pH 5-7
Na 131mmol/L
Cl 112mmol/L
K 5.4mmol/L
Ca 2mmol/L (4mEq/L)
Lactate 28mmol/L
Osmolarity 295mOsm/L (LITFL says osmolality 254mOsm/kg)

Question 3

Describe the three main subtypes of crystalloid fluids and give examples of each

Answer 3

Isotonic: 0.9% NaCl, compound sodium lactate (Hartmanns), plasmalyte
Hypertonic: 3% or 7.5% NaCl
Hypotonic: 0.45% NaCl, dextrose (5%, 10%)

Question 4

Describe the pH, osmolality and composition of 8.4% NaHCO3

Answer 4

pH 8.0
NaHCO3 84mg/ml
Na 1mmol/ml
HCO3 1mmol/ml
Osmolality 2000mOsm/kg

Question 5

Describe the pH, osmolality and composition of Plasma-Lyte

Answer 5

pH 6-7.4
Na 140
Cl 98
K 5
Ca 2
Mg 1.5
Acetate 27
Gluconate 23
Osmolality 294mOsm/kg

Question 6

Osmolality of 10% and 20% mannitol

Answer 6

10% mannitol: 596mOsm/kg
20% mannitol: 1192mOsm/kg

Question 7

Glucose content and osmolality of 5% glucose

Answer 7

Glucose 50g/L
Osmolality 252mOsm/kg

Question 8

Describe the composition and osmolarity of 3% saline. What is the major risk associated with administration of hypertonic saline?

Answer 8

Na 513mEq/L
Cl 513mEq/L
Osmolarity 1027mOsm/L
Major risk is central pontine myelinosis