Tag: Saline infusion

Large volume infusions of normal saline, or 0.9% sodium chloride solution, can predictably cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, a condition frequently observed in critically ill and surgical patients. This effect, often overlooked, is a critical consideration in modern fluid management.

Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium concentration below 135 mEq/L, affects up to 20% of hospitalized patients. While its treatment is highly dependent on the cause and severity, normal saline (NS) plays a crucial role, particularly in cases of hypovolemic hyponatremia. Understanding how NS helps with hyponatremia is key for effective and safe medical intervention.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a standard plasma donation involves the return of red blood cells and platelets to the donor, accompanied by a sterile saline solution. This is done to help the donor's body maintain circulation and to compensate for the fluid volume lost during the plasmapheresis process.

According to studies, normal saline (NS), or a 0.9% sodium chloride solution, is one of the most widely used intravenous (IV) fluids for treating moderate to severe dehydration in hospital settings. This article details when and how NS is used for rehydration, comparing its effectiveness against other methods.