I.V.

Fluids: What Nurses Need To Know

TYPE OF FLUID DEFINITION EXAMPLES

Isotonic
concentration of dissolved 0.9% sodium chloride
particles is similar to that
of plasma lactated Ringer's solution

infused solutions remain 5% dextrose in water

in the extracellular space
and increase intravascular Ringer's solution
volume

Hypotonic
lower tonicity or solute 0.45% sodium chloride
concentration
0.33% sodium chloride
fluids shift from the
intravascular space to both 0.2% sodium chloride
the intracellular and
interstitial spaces 2.5% dextrose in water

Hypertonic
higher tonicity or solute
concentration
water is drawn out of the
intracellular space,
increasing extracellular
fluid volume
3% sodium chloride
5% sodium chloride
5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium
chloride
5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium
chloride

D5LR

D10W

D20W

D50W
It surprised me to put D5W in the list of examples for isotonic solutions. Find out more about this
by reading I.V. Fluids: What Nurses Need To Know. Also, read more about I.V. therapy by
checking out the other articles in our More Resources section. Don't miss our next issue about
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