IV Solution Quick Reference

Crystalloids
Type

Description

Osmolality

Use

Nursing Implications

Normal Saline
(NS)

0.9% NaCl in Water

Isotonic
(308 mOsm)

-Replaces losses without altering fluid concentrations.

-Helpful for Na+ replacement

Normal Saline
( NS)

0.45% NaCl in Water

Hypotonic
(154 mOsm)

Increases circulating
plasma volume when red
cells are adequate
Raises total fluid volume

Normal Saline

0.225% NaCl in Water

Hypotonic
(77 mOsm)

Lactated Ringers
(LR)
D5W

Na, K, Ca, Cl & Lactate

(Bicarb)
Dextrose 5% in water

Isotonic
(273 mOsm)
Isotonic (in the bag) *
(252 mOsm)

D5NS

Dextrose 5% in0.9%
saline
Dextrose 5% in 0.45%
saline

Hypertonic
(560 mOsm)
Hypertonic (in the
bag)*
(406 mOsm)

D5 NS

Dextrose 5% in 0.225%
saline

Isotonic (in the bag)*

(321 mOsm)

D5LR

Dextrose 5% in
Lactated Ringers

Hypertonic
(575 mOsm)

Normosol-R

Normosol

Isotonic
(295 mOsm)

D5 NS

This concentration should

generally be avoided
unless mixed with
dextrose
Replaces fluid and buffers
pH
Raises total fluid volume.
Helpful in rehydrating
and excretory purposes.
Replaces fluid sodium,
chloride, and calories.
Useful for daily
maintenance of body
fluids and nutrition, and
for rehydration.
Used in hypertonic states

Same as LR plus provides

about 180 calories per
1000ccs
Replaces fluid and buffers
pH

-Useful for daily maintenance of body fluid, but is of

less value for replacement of NaCl deficit.
-Helpful for establishing renal function.
-Fluid replacement for clients who dont need extra
glucose (diabetics)
Used in patients with high serum osmolarity such as
those with hypernatremia or hyperglycemic nonketotic
coma.
-Normal saline with K+, Ca++, and lactate (buffer)
-Often seen with surgery
*Physiologically hypotonic the dextrose is
metabolized quickly so that only water remains
- a hypotonic fluid
Watch for fluid volume overload
-Most common postoperative fluid
*Physiologically hypotonic the dextrose is
metabolized quickly
-Recommended for maintenance fluid requirements in
pediatrics
*Physiologically hypotonic the dextrose is
metabolized quickly
Watch for fluid volume overload

- pH 7.4
- Contains sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium and
magnesium
- Common fluid for OR and PACU