SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9%

Question 1

Action and side effects

Answer 1

An isotonic crystalloid solution which has similar
concentration to that of extracellular fluid. When
given IV, it increases the volume of the intravascular
space and increases the intracellular fluid space
allowing movement of water between the cells and tissues thus rehydrating dehydrated cells.
side effects
• Fluid overload
• Haemodilution
• Significant Burns

Question 2

Indications, contraindications, precautions

Answer 2

• Initial replacement of lost fluid
volume such as from blood
loss, fluid & electrolyte loss
• Drug dilution and preparation
• Flushing of IV lines & following
drug administration
• To keep vein open during
treatment

• Nil

Patients with pre-existing
heart failure
• Uncontrolled haemorrhage
associated with severe
head injury
• Pre-existing renal failure

Question 3

Dosages

Answer 3

Fluid Replacement
(from blood, fluid or electrolyte loss hypotension)
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV
Repeat 250ml bolus as
required
PRN to achieve target SBP
>90mmHg and HR <120bpm
In traumatic brain injury
give PRN and aim for SBP
>100mmHg
No max dose whilst signs of
hypovolaemia exist
DRUG DILUTION & PREPARATION
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV
Volume as required as
indicated in individual drugs
and/or as required to provide
safe administration IV/IO
TKVO AND FLUSH
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV
Flush: 10ml or volume as
required as indicated in
individual drugs and/or as
required to provide safe
administration IV/IO
TKVO: 10 drops/min or 30ml/hr
to maintain patency of IV line
In Cardiac Arrest or Severe
Hypovolemic States: an IV
pump set should be used
Clinical Practice Guidelines
PHARMACOLOGY
HOW IT WORKS
ONSET DURATION HALF-LIFE
Immediate Variable N/A
PAEDIATRIC DOSAGE
Fluid Replacement
(from blood, fluid or electrolyte loss hypotension)
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV
10-20ml/kg
Repeat twice if required
depending on the patient’s
physiological response and
requirements
Max dose 60ml/kg
BURN DOSES
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV-INF
mL/hr = 15mL/hr x TBSA
(closest 10%)
If patient is more than 100kg
an additional 200mL/hr is to
be administered
Adult
LEVEL ROUTE DOSAGE
EMT 2 IV-INF Clinic consult required