IV Fluid Types Flashcards

Study Notes

Isotonic Fluids

Isotonic fluids have the same concentration as body fluids.
Common examples include 0.9% NaCl, D5W, Lactated Ringer's solution, and Ringer's solution.

Hypotonic IV Fluids

Hypotonic solutions lower solute concentration compared to blood.
Key examples are 2.5% Dextrose in Water and 0.45% Normal Saline (NS).
Not suitable for head injury patients due to increased risk of cerebral edema.

Hypertonic IV Fluids

These fluids have a higher solute concentration than the blood.
Includes solutions like D5NS, D5 ½ NS, D5LR, and TPN.

0.9% NaCl (Normal Saline)

An isotonic solution used to expand extracellular fluid volume.
Helps prevent mild metabolic alkalosis and serves as an electrolyte replacement.
Clinical applications include shock management, resuscitation, fluid challenges, blood transfusions, treating metabolic alkalosis, hyponatremia, and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

0.9% NaCl Uses

Administered in shock, blood transfusions, and flushing lines.
Used to prevent an increase in blood bicarbonate and to manage low sodium levels.
Compatible with various medications.

Contraindications for 0.9% NaCl

Not recommended for patients with severe hypertension, pulmonary edema, heart failure, edema, or hypernatremia.

Lactated Ringer's Solution

A crystalloid isotonic solution for fluid and electrolyte replacement.
Often used in surgical settings for volume expansion and maintenance of electrolyte balance.
Prevents or corrects mild acidosis without providing calories.

Lactated Ringer's Uses

Effective in treating dehydration, burns, GI fluid loss, acute blood loss, and surgical maintenance.

Contraindications for Lactated Ringer's

Not suitable for patients with liver disease due to ammonia processing issues and those with renal issues due to potassium content.

D5W (5% Dextrose in Water)

A volume expander primarily for fluid replacement without electrolytes.
Begins as isotonic but becomes hypotonic upon metabolism of glucose.

D5W Uses

Administered for fluid loss, dehydration, and maintaining blood sugar levels in NPO patients.

Contraindications for D5W

Avoid use in head injury cases and severe dehydration due to risk of water intoxication.

General Hypotonic Information

Hypotonic solutions draw water into cells, causing them to swell.

0.45% Normal Saline

Known as Half Normal Saline, it's a hypotonic electrolyte replenisher for dehydrated patients, providing no calories.

0.45% Normal Saline Uses

Used to address gastric fluid loss, cellular dehydration, and hypertonic dehydration with slow rehydration.

Contraindications for 0.45% Normal Saline

Not advised for patients at risk of increased intracranial pressure or for rapid rehydration.

2.5% Dextrose in Water

A low dose hypotonic solution similar to D5W, providing 85 calories per liter and contraindicated for head injury patients.

General Hypertonic Information

Hypertonic solutions have higher salt concentrations, drawing water out of cells.

D5NS (5% Dextrose in Normal Saline)

Contains both D5 and 0.9% NaCl, suitable for patients with overhydration or edema, but not recommended for diabetics.

D5LR (5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer's)

A hypertonic dextrose solution effective for hypovolemic and hemorrhagic shock; avoid in cardiac or renal patients due to high fluid pressure.

D5 ½ NS

Hypertonic dextrose solution used for heat exhaustion and diabetic disorders; should not be used for rapid fluid replacement.

TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition)

A hypertonic, nutritionally complete solution containing dextrose, proteins, lipids, and electrolytes; bypasses the digestive system, indicated for patients on total GI rest or recovering from bowel resection.

Description

Test your knowledge on different types of IV fluids with this interactive flashcard quiz. Understand the definitions and applications of isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions. Perfect for nursing and medical students preparing for exams.

IV Fluid Types Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the concentration of Isotonic Fluid?

What are the examples of Isotonic IV fluids?

Which IV fluid is NOT recommended for head injuries?

What are the main uses of Lactated Ringer's solution?

D5W is used as a volume expander and contains electrolytes.

What condition is 0.9% NaCl most commonly used for?

Match the following IV fluids with their characteristics:

Hypotonic IV fluids are suitable for patients with severe hypertension.

Which of the following is a contraindication for using 0.9% NaCl?

What can excessive sodium from 0.9% NaCl cause?

What solutions are used to treat fluid loss in dehydrated patients?

What is TPN primarily used for?