NUR 105 CE2 / 5-27-09

Med~Surg Homework
IV Therapy

~ Terms & Questions ~

Isotonic Fluids- a crystalloid fluid that is the same osmolality as the ECF
and does not cause RBC's to shrink or swell.

Example of isotonic fluid- Some examples of isotonic fluids would be

D5W, 0.9%NaCl, and Lactated Ringer's solution.

When would isotonic fluids be used? Isotonic fluids are used to

expand the extracellular fluid volume. One liter of isotonic fluid expands
the ECF by 1L, but the same amount only expands the plasma by 0.25L
because of the fluids crystalloid composition; due to this difference if 2L of
blood were to be lost it would take 6L of isotonic fluids to replace the lost
volume.

Hypotonic Fluids- a fluid solution that has a lower osmolality than the
body serum, less than 250mEq/L

Example of hypotonic fluid- An example of a hypotonic solution would

be 1/2 strength normal saline.

When would hypotonic fluids be used? Hypotonic fluids are used for
the purposes of replacing cellular fluids and to provide free water for
excretion of body wastes. Hypernatremia and other hyperosmolar
conditions are also sometimes treated by using hypotonic fluid infusions.

Hypertonic Fluids- Has a greater osmolality than the body serum at

375mEq/L. Hypertonic fluids draw water from the ICF into the ECF.

Example of hypertonic fluid- An example of a hypertonic solution

would be saline with 50% dextrose.

When would hypertonic fluids be used? Some hypertonic solutions

such as NS with 5% dextrose are hypertonic when administered but the
body quickly metabolizes the dextrose and is left with a hypotonic solution.
Solutions with a greater osmolality than the body's serum such as H2O w/
50% Dextrose can be used to help meet caloric needs, these solutions are
highly hypertonic and must be administered through a central vein so that
dilution can occur. Some saline solutions are also available with a greater
osmolality than serum and these solutions draw water from the ICF to the
ECF.
How many blood types are there, and what are they? There are
four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O these blood types may be Rh
positive or Rh negative. It is very important to test donor blood with the
recipient before any type of transfusion of blood products or serious and/or
even fatal reactions could occur.

What is an Rh factor? The Rh factor is an antigen also called the D-

antigen that is present on 85% of the populations erythrocytes. The
persons who lack the antigen are considered Rh negative When blood
products are being processed for donation the blood must be the same Rh
factor or antibodies could form and destroy the new blood cells that were
introduced into the recipient, which could prove to be fatal.

What blood type is the universal donor? Persons who have the
blood type of O Rh- are considered to be the universal donors; meaning
that their blood can be given to any of the other blood types. O- blood type
does not have the A, B or D(Rh) antigen present allowing the blood to be
accepted by all other blood types.

What blood type is the universal recipient? The blood type of AB

Rh+ is considered to be the universal recipient; meaning that the people
with this blood type can receive blood from any of the other groups since
this blood type carries both A and B antigens. Transfusions will work if a
person who is going to receive blood has a blood group that doesn't have
any antibodies against the donor blood's antigens. But if a person who is
going to receive blood has antibodies matching the donor blood's antigens,
the red blood cells in the donated blood will clump.

Table:
Which blood types can receive blood from what other types??
Bloo d
Antig en Antibo di Can give Can re ce ive
Grou
s es bl ood to bl ood f rom
p

AB A and B None AB AB, A, B, 0

A and
A A B A and 0
AB
B and
B B A B and 0
AB
AB, A, B,
0 None A and B 0
0

Table from: http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/landsteiner/readmore.html