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What are Isotonic Fluids?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

There are a number of different types of intravenous (IV) fluids given to patients, the most common of which are isotonic fluids. These fluids have the same number of dissolved particles as a person’s blood. Using this type of fluid keeps extra particles from entering or exiting a patient's cells. Isotonic fluids are commonly given through an IV in order to either rehydrate a patient or to maintain his hydration level.

The most common type of isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride solutions, also referred to as normal saline fluids. The salt content of the fluids matches the normal levels in a person’s bloodstream and maintains a balance of fluid and salt between the bloodstream and the cells while the patient is being hydrated. Normal saline fluids are used to treat patients who are receiving blood transfusions, in shock, or suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. They can be harmful to patients suffering from heart failure.

The most common type of isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride solutions.
The most common type of isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride solutions.

Another type of isotonic fluid that is commonly given to patients is a 5% dextrose solution. This type of isotonic fluid, often called D5W, is used in patients who are suffering from dehydration or elevated levels of salt in the blood. Patients with cardiac or renal failure can have complications from the use of these fluids.

Lactated ringer’s fluid, or LR fluid, 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 with blood or fluid loss due to disease or injury in the intestines. Patients with liver or kidney problems cannot tolerate LR fluids and require an alternative treatment.

An IV may be administered in the back of the hand if the veins in the arm are unaccessible.
An IV may be administered in the back of the hand if the veins in the arm are unaccessible.

In addition to isotonic fluids, there are hypotonic and hypertonic fluids as well. Hypotonic fluids contain fewer dissolved particles than blood, and their administration causes particles within cells to flow from the cell and into the blood. Hypertonic fluids, on the other hand, contain more dissolved particles than blood and cause cells to absorb particles in order to equalize the concentration between the cells and the bloodstream.

Discussion Comments

Ceptorbi

@SimpleByte - Dehydration is serious and, in extreme cases, can result in death. Kudos to your teams for taking good care of their players and helping them rehydrate after sports and exercise. Players should be monitored throughout and after games to make sure they don't show symptoms of dehydration like tiredness, dizziness, irritability, and vomiting.

SimpleByte

People not in the hospital getting IVs can benefit from an isotonic sports drink after intense exercise. These types of beverages replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Our local peewee football teams and little league baseball teams offer their players isotonic beverages as well as water during and after their practices and games.

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    • The most common type of isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride solutions.
      By: lculig
      The most common type of isotonic fluids are 0.9% sodium chloride solutions.
    • An IV may be administered in the back of the hand if the veins in the arm are unaccessible.
      By: Voyagerix
      An IV may be administered in the back of the hand if the veins in the arm are unaccessible.
    • Normal saline fluids are given in conjunction with blood transfusions.
      By: sudok1
      Normal saline fluids are given in conjunction with blood transfusions.
    • Isotonic IV fluids are often given to a patient to hydrate them.
      By: supojpp
      Isotonic IV fluids are often given to a patient to hydrate them.
    • Normal saline fluids are used to treat patients who are receiving blood transfusions.
      By: designua
      Normal saline fluids are used to treat patients who are receiving blood transfusions.
    • Normal saline fluids can be harmful to patients suffering from heart failure.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Normal saline fluids can be harmful to patients suffering from heart failure.
    • There are a number of different types of IV fluids that may be given to patients.
      By: Tyler Olson
      There are a number of different types of IV fluids that may be given to patients.