Intravenous Fluids: Composition and Indications Flashcards
(62 cards)
What are the two broad categories of IV fluids?
Crystalloids and colloids
What do crystalloid solutions contain?
Water, electrolytes, and/or glucose
What do colloid solutions primarily include?
Albumin and blood products
What are the three types of IV solutions based on tonicity?
- Isotonic
- Hypotonic
- Hypertonic
What is the general use of isotonic solutions?
To treat extracellular fluid (ECF) volume depletion
What is the primary use of hypertonic solutions?
To correct symptomatic hyponatremia
Why is hypertonic saline used in trauma settings?
It decreases the intracranial pressure in patients with head trauma and for patients following burns
What is D5W?
5% dextrose in water
What are the indications for dextrose in water (D5W)?
- To replace deficits of total body water in hypernatremia
- To provide energy and prevent starvation ketosis
- To treat hypoglycemia
- To mix with amino acid solution in total parenteral nutrition
- Do not give to a patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
- Do not use alone to expand ECF volume in a hypovolemic patient
What is the composition of normal saline (0.9%)?
154 mEq/L Na(^+) and Cl(^-)
What is the effect of 1 L of normal saline infusion in a healthy individual?
Expands intravascular volume by 20%
What is the typical duration that normal saline persists in the body?
Up to 6 hours
What is the primary composition of Ringer’s lactate?
Contains lactate and is considered physiologic saline
What are the indications for Ringer’s lactate?
- To replace isotonic fluid loss in burns or surgery
- To correct metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia
- Do not use to expand ECF volume alone
- Do not use in a patient with lactic acidosis
- Do not use in renal failure patients
- Use cautiously in hepatic failure
What is the primary role of albumin in IV therapy?
To maintain intravascular oncotic pressure
What is the half-life of albumin in the intravascular compartment?
16–14 hours
What are the indications for albumin use?
- To expand plasma volume when crystalloids fail
- To treat severe edematous patients with nephrotic syndrome
- To prevent hemodynamic instability after large-volume paracentesis
- To prevent kidney impairment in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
What is the typical composition of dextran solutions?
Dextran 40 and 70
What are examples of balanced electrolyte solutions?
- Ringer’s lactate
- Ringer’s acetate
- Plasma-Lyte A
What is the primary disadvantage of using normal saline in critically ill patients?
Causes hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury
What does the term ‘COP’ stand for in the context of colloids?
Colloid oncotic pressure
What is the effect of hypotonic solutions on sodium levels?
Do not use in a patient with hypotonic hyponatremia
What is the osmolality of 3% NaCl?
1026 mOsm
How is Ringer’s lactate metabolized in the body?
Converted to HCO(_3^-) in the liver