What are isotonic fluids?

There are a number of different types of intravenous (IV) fluids administered to patients, the most common of which isotonic fluids. These fluids have the same number of dissolved particles as human blood. The use of this type of fluid prevents other inputs or leaving the patient cells of other particles. Isotonic fluids are commonly administered through IV to either rehydrate the patient or to maintain the hydration level.

The most common type of isotonic fluid is 0.9% sodium chloride solutions, also referred to as normal physiological fluids. The salt content in the fluids corresponds to the normal levels of the human bloodstream and maintains the balance of fluid and salt between the bloodstream and cells, while the patient is hydrated. Normal physiological fluids are used to treat patients who receive blood transfusions, shock or suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis. They may be harmful to patients suffering from heart failure.

Another type of isotonic fluid that is commonlygiven to patients 5% dextrose solution. This type of isotonic fluid, often called D5W, is used in patients suffering from dehydration or elevated blood levels in the blood. Patients with heart or renal failure may have complications from using these fluids.

Lactated Ringer's Fluid, or LR liquid, is another type of isotonic solution and contains calcium lactate, potassium and sodium chloride in slightly different concentrations depending on the manufacturer. In this type of isotonic solution, however, the concentration of each of these components is low. LR Fluid is used to rehydrate patients or to help those who have blood or fluid loss due to disease or intestinal damage. Patients with liver or kidney problems cannot tolerate LR fluids and require alternative treatment.

In addition to isotonic fluids, there are hypotonic and hypertonic fluids like Well. Hypotonic fluidThey contain less dissolved particles than blood and their administration causes the particles in the cells to flow from the cell and into the blood. On the other hand, hypertonic fluids contain more dissolved particles than blood and cause cells to absorb particles to equalize the concentration between the cells and the bloodstream.