IV Solution Cheat Sheet
A quick reference guide on the different intravenous solutions.
Type
Use
Special Considerations
Normal Saline (NS)
0.9% NaCl in
Water
Crystalloid
Solution
Isotonic (308
mOsm)
Increases circulating plasma
volume when red cells are
adequate
Shock
Fluid replacement in patients
with diabetic ketoacidosis
Hyponatremia
Blood transfusions
Resuscitation
Metabolic Alkalosis
Hypercalcemia
Do not use in patients with heart failure,
edema, or hypernatremia, because NSS
replaces extracellular fluid and can lead to
fluid overload.
Replaces losses without altering fluid
concentrations.
Helpful for Na+ replacement
1/2 Normal Saline
(1/2 NS)
0.45% NaCl in
Water
Crystalloid
Solution
Hypotonic (154
mOsm)
Water replacement
Raises total fluid volume
DKA after initial normal
saline solution and before
dextrose infusion
Hypertonic dehydration
Sodium and chloride
depletion
Gastric fluid loss from
nasogastric suctioning or
vomiting.
Use cautiously; may cause cardiovascular
collapse or increase in intracranial
pressure.
Don’t use in patients with liver disease,
trauma, or burns.
Useful for daily maintenance of body fluid,
but is of less value for replacement of
NaCl deficit.
Helpful for establishing renal function.
Fluid replacement for clients who don’t
need extra glucose (diabetics)
Lactated Ringer’s
(LR)
Normal saline
with electrolytes
and buffer
Isotonic (275
mOsm)
Replaces fluid and buffers
pH
Hypovolemia due to third-
space shifting.
Dehydration
Burns
Lower GI tract fluid loss
Acute blood loss
Has similar electrolyte content with serum
but doesn’t contain magnesium.
Has potassium therefore don’t use to
patients with renal failure as it can cause
hyperkalemia
Don’t use in liver disease because the
patient can’t metabolize lactate; a
functional liver converts it to bicarbonate;
don’t give if patient’s pH > 75.
Normal saline with K+, Ca++, and lactate
(buffer)
Often seen with surgery
