Intravenous Therapy

Question 1

1/2 normal saline (1/2 normal saline)

Answer 1

0.45 NaCl in water
Hypotonic
Raises total fluid volume
Replaces fluid losses but does not replace Na loss
Helps establish renal function
Fluid replacement for people with adequate or extra glucose (diabetics)

Question 2

Lactated ringers

Answer 2

Normal saline with electrolyte buffers 
Isotonic
Replaces fluid and buffers pH
Normal saline with K+ Ca+ and lactate buffer 
Often seen with surgical patients

Question 3

Dextrose in 5% water

D5W

Answer 3

Isotonic (in bag)
Hypotonic physiologically
Raises total fluid volume, rehydrated and regulates excretory functions
Provides 170-200 calories

(Hypotonic because dextrose is metabolized so quickly that only fluid remains)

Question 4

Normal saline (NS)

Answer 4

0.9% NaCl solution in water 
Isotonic
Increases circulating volume of blood 
Replaces losses without altering fluid balances 
Helpful for Na+ replacement

Question 5

D5NS

Answer 5

5% dextrose in normal saline
Hypertonic
Replaces fluids, saline, and calories
Watch for fluid volume overload

Question 6

D5 1/2NS

Answer 6

5% dextrose in 0.45% saline
Hypertonic
Used for daily maintenance of fluids nutrition and rehydration
Most common post op fluid

Question 7

D5LR

Answer 7

5% Dextrose in lactated ringers
Hypertonic
Same as LR provides about 180 calories per 1000 cc
watch for fluid volume overload

Question 8

Normalsol-R

Answer 8

Isotonic 
Replaces fluid and buffers pH
pH 7.4 
Contains sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, and magnesium 
Common fluid for PACU or OR