Fluids

Question 1

Crystalloid fluids

Answer 1

Contains water and electrolytes.

Examples

• 0.9% NaCl
• Hartmann’s
• Ringer’s lactate

Expands plasma volume

• Haemorrhage
• Dehydration
• Loss of fluid during surgery

Question 2

Colloid fluids

Answer 2

Contains water, electrolytes and colloid (does not diffuse across semi-permeable membranes)
- Raises oncotic pressure

Examples

• Albumin
• Gelatines, dextrans

Question 3

5 Rs for prescribing fluids

Answer 3

Resuscitation

• Allows adequate perfusion to be provided, to avoid organ failure
• Use crystalloids

Routine maintainance
- When requirements cannot be met orally/ enterally.

Replacement + Redistribution
- Electrolytes losses/ excess

Reassessment