Common Intravenous Infusion Solutions
Patients are prescribed an IV solution (fluids) based on their electrolyte and fluid volume status. Some commonly used intravenous fluids include normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), lactated Ringer’s solution, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), and Ringer’s solution. Table A provides a list of some commonly used intravenous solutions. .
TABLE A: COMMON INTRAVENOUS INFUSION SOLUTIONS
| SOLUTION | ABBREVIATION |
|---|---|
| 0.9% Sodium Chloride | NS(Normal Saline) |
| 0.45% Sodium Chloride | ½NS |
| 5% Dextrose in Water | D5W or D5W |
| 10% Dextrose in Water | D10W or D10W |
| 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride | D5NS or D5NS |
| 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride | D5½NS or D5½NS |
| Lactated Ringer’s (0.86% Sodium Chloride, 0.03% potassium Chloride, 0.033% Calcium Chloride) | LR |
| 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer’s | D5LR or D5LR |
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Solved Problem: How many grams each of dextrose and sodium chloride are used to prepare a 250-ml bag of D5½NS for intravenous infusion? Approach: D5½NS has 5 % w/v dextrose and 0.45% w/v sodium chloride $$ { 250 \ ml \times 0.05 \ ( \ 5 \% ) } = {12.5 \ g \ dextrose } $$ $$ { 250 \ ml \times 0.045 \ ( \ 0.45 \% ) } = {1.125 \ g \ sodium \ chloride }$$ Answer: 12.5 g dextrose, 1.125 g sodium chloride |