IV Solution Cheat Sheet

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing various IV solution types, descriptions, osmolalities, indications, and clinical notes.

Normal Saline (NS)

A 0.9% NaCl in water crystalloid solution with an isotonic osmolality of 308 mOsm. It increases circulating plasma volume when red cells are adequate, replaces losses without altering fluid concentrations, and is helpful for Na+ replacement.

1/2 Normal Saline (1/2 NS)

A 0.45% NaCl in water crystalloid solution with a hypotonic osmolality of 154 mOsm. It raises total fluid volume, is useful for daily maintenance of body fluid (though less valuable for replacement of NaCl deficit), helps establish renal function, and provides fluid replacement for clients who don't need extra glucose (diabetics).

Lactated Ringer's (LR)

An isotonic solution (275 mOsm) composed of normal saline with K+, Ca++, and lactate (buffer). It replaces fluid, buffers pH, and is often seen with surgery.

D5W

A crystalloid solution of Dextrose 5% in water that is isotonic in the bag (260 mOsm) but physiologically hypotonic because dextrose is metabolized quickly so that only water remains. It raises total fluid volume, helps in rehydrating and excretory purposes, and provides 170-200 calories/1,000cc for energy.

D5NS

A hypertonic solution (560 mOsm) containing Dextrose 5% in 0.9% saline. It replaces fluid, sodium, chloride, and calories. Watch for fluid volume overload.

D5 1/2 NS

A hypertonic solution (406 mOsm) containing Dextrose 5% in 0.45% saline. It is useful for daily maintenance of body fluids and nutrition, and for rehydration, and is the most common postoperative fluid.

D5LR

A hypertonic solution (575 mOsm) consisting of Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer's. It has the same uses as LR plus provides about 180 calories per 1000cc's. Watch for fluid volume overload.

Normosol-R

An isotonic Normosol solution (295 mOsm) with a pH of 7.4 containing sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It replaces fluid and buffers pH, and is a common fluid for OR and PACU.