Understand osmolarity shifts, clinical indications, and life-saving nursing watch-outs at a glance.
• Isotonic: "Stay where I put it" (Vascular expansion).
• Hypotonic: "Go Out of the vessel" (Hydrates cells).
• Hypertonic: "Enter the vessel" (Draws fluid from cells).
• 0.9% Normal Saline: ONLY fluid compatible with PRBC blood transfusions.
• Lactated Ringer's: Contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate buffer. Ideal for trauma, surgical losses, and severe burns.
NEVER administer to patients with increased ICP (head trauma, stroke) or severe burn injuries! Fluid enters brain tissue causing life-threatening cerebral edema.
Draws water rapidly from cells into the intravascular space. Indicated for severe symptomatic hyponatremia. Monitor continuously for pulmonary edema, crackles, and bounding pulse.
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