
Isotonic solutions are used: to increase the EXTRACELLULAR fluid volume due to blood loss, surgery, dehydration, fluid loss that has been loss extracellularly. The cell has a low amount of solute extracellularly and it wants to shift inside the cell to get everything back to normal via osmosis.
Full Answer
What is D5 half normal saline used for?
The reason for giving dextrose (D5) is to prevent catabolism. if you are planning to give more than 3-4 liters of normal saline, switch to LR because of the risk of “expansion acidosis”. “Because lack of potassium is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for this mineral.
Which is considered an isotonic solution?
Types of Isotonic Solutions:
- Most adaptable fluid
- Electrolyte content is closest to body’s blood serum and plasma composition
- First choice of fluid for burn injuries
- Do not give to patients with kidney failure due to the amount of potassium LR’s solution contains. Kidney cannot excrete the potassium well.
- Do not administer when pH is greater than 7.5
What is difference between hypotonic and hypertonic solution?
The difference between hypertonic and hypotonic solution is mainly due to the factors like:
- Solute concentration
- Solvent concentration
- Effect on a cell
Is D5W hypotonic or isotonic?
D5W is unique. It can be categorized as an isotonic solution or a hypotonic solution. The amount of dextrose in the solution makes its tonicity, or solute concentration, similar to that of intravascular fluid, making it isotonic. It also provides free water, following the metabolism of the dextrose. It is also considered a hypotonic solution.

What is an Isotonic Solution?
When you think of “isotonic”, your mind probably flies immediately to Normal Saline…and you’d be right! But why is Normal Saline considered isotonic?
What is the goal of isotonic dextrose?
The Isotonic Dextrose solutions have the same goal as the Hypertonic Dextrose solutions: to provide extra calories to the patient.
What is the most commonly used IV fluid?
Isotonic solution is probably the most commonly used IV fluid that you will see during nursing school. But why is it so useful? What’s the difference between different types of isotonic fluids?
Is 5% dextrose isotonic?
5% Dextrose in Water (technically Isotonic, but it acts hypotonic …I ’ll explain in a minute)
Does isotonic solution rehydrate eggs?
It only took a few short hours to discover that the Isotonic Solution easily rehydrated my shriveled, dehydrated egg!
Can isotonic solutions reverse a problem?
Isotonic solutions can also work quickly in the body to reverse similar problems . Once the egg was rehydrated, I couldn’t tell it apart from the other hydrated eggs in my osmosis experiment.
Does saline contain electrolytes?
Another important observation about Normal Saline: it doesn’t contain ALL of the electrolytes and other solutes found in the blood stream. 0.9% Saline only contains Sodium and Chloride (you know, NaCl…salt!).
When talking about isotonic and hypo/hypertonic, what are we talking about?
Remember when we are talking about isotonic and hypo/hypertonic we are talking about how it looks outside of the cell compared to inside.
When to use hypotonic solution?
Hypotonic solutions are used when the cell is dehydrated and fluids need to be put back intracellularly. This happens when patients develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemia.
Why do cells use osmosis?
The cell loves to be in an isotonic state and when something happens to make it unequal (like with hypotonic or hypertonic conditions) it will use osmosis to try to equal it out. Osmosis allows molecules of the solvent to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a higher concentrated solution.
How does tonicity work in osmosis?
First, let’s get familiar with the cell and how tonicity works through osmosis. The cell is divided into two parts: ( intracellular & extracellular ). Each part is made up of a solution and depending on the tonicity of the fluid you can having shifting of fluids from outside of the cell to the inside via osmosis.
What is the meaning of tonic?
Tonic: concentration of a solution. The cell has the same concentration on the inside and outside which in normal conditions the cell’s intracellular and extracellular are both isotonic. It is important to be familiar with what fluids are isotonic and when they are given.
Is 5% dextrose hypotonic or isotonic?
5% dextrose in water (D5W)**also used as a hypotonic solution after it is administered because the body absorbs the dextrose BUT it is considered isotonic) Isoto nic solutions are used: to increase the EXTRACELLULAR fluid volume due to blood loss, surgery, dehydration, fluid loss that has been loss extracellularly.
Why should hypertonic solutions not be administered peripherally?
Hypertonic solutions should not be administered peripherally because it can cause irritation and damage to the blood vessels.
Who is responsible for verifying the doctor's order on which specific hypertonic IV fluid should be administered?
Verify the doctor’s order: The nurse is responsible for verifying the doctor’s order on which specific hypertonic IV fluid should be administered, the total volume, time to be consumed, and infusion rate. Contraindications: Heart disease, kidney damage, dehydrated patients.
What are IV Fluids?
As a recap, intravenous fluids or solutions are fluids administered via the intravenous route, when oral administration is not recommended.
Why do solutes have the same concentration as blood plasma?
The solutes have the same concentration as the blood plasma; that’s why it expands intracellular and extracellular compartments when it’s infused. Remember the keyword “equal” when studying isotonic solutions. It has equal osmolality with the insides and outsides of the cell and has equal blood plasma concentration.
Why does fluid move inside cells?
This will cause the fluids to move inside the cell, resulting in the expansion or swelling of the cell. Since the osmolality of hypotonic solutions is lower, the fluid from outside of the cell enters inside the cell to achieve homeostasis. This then may result in swelling, even the rupturing of cells. This is why it’s indicated to assist in ...
What is the opposite of hypotonic?
Hypertonic Solutions. Hyper- means excess, meaning this type of solution has more solutes than fluid, which is the complete opposite of hypotonic solutions. Hypertonic solutions cause fluids to move out from inside of the cell to create homeostasis; this will cause the solutes to be normalized inside and outside the cell.
What to do if a patient has peripheral edema?
If a patient has peripheral edema, elevate the patient’s leg to promote venous return. Monitor: Hypovolemia or lack of fluid. Observe for signs and symptoms such as decreased urine output, tachycardia, poor skin turgor, weak pulse, and low blood pressure. Watch out for: Signs of swelling any difficulty of breathing.
