Types of fluid

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IV Fluid Categories

Type Definition Indication Where the Fluid Goes Examples + Composition Adverse Effects / Risks
Actual blood components massive hemorrhage, anemia Hb < 80 Intravascular space (100%) PRBCs – Hb, RBCs for O₂ delivery
FFP – clotting factors
Platelets – thrombocytopenia/bleeding
Glucose-containing solutions; NOT volume expanders, decrease blood osmolarity , (with IV insulin) Distributes like free water → mostly intracellular; only small % intravascular. D5W (5% dextrose in water) – becomes free water
D10W, D5½NS, D5NS (decrease osmo of blood, H2O then enters the brain)
Small electrolytes; move freely across capillary membranes. (dehydration or ECFVD) Extracellular fluid (⅓ intravascular, ⅔ interstitial). NS (0.9% NaCl) – Na⁺, Cl⁻
LR – Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺, lactate (buffer) → 130:109:4:3 (interstitial accumulation)
• NS: hyperchloremic
• LR: avoid with severe
Large molecules (proteins) stay intravascular, pull water via oncotic pressure. , > 4L, Intravascular space (volume expander). Albumin 5% / 25% – protein solution with strong oncotic pressure Only indicated in 3 cases (all in IM)

Choosing Fluid

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Needle Guide

IV Needles

Pediatric Fluid Order