Shorthand Notation:
D5W
water intoxication and dilution
of body's electrolytes with
10% Dextrose in Hypertonic 10 grams dextrose may be infused peripherally;
long, continuous infusions
Water pH 4.3 (340 calories/liter) hypertonic hydration;
provides some calories
Shorthand Notation:
D10W
5% Dextrose in 1/4 Hypertonic 5 grams Dextrose fluid replacement;
Strength (or 0.25%) pH 4.4 34 mEq Sodium replacement of sodium,
Saline 34 mEq Chloride chloride and some calories
Shorthand Notation:
D5¼NS
vein irritation because of
5% Dextrose in 0.45 Hypertonic 5 grams Dextrose hypertonic fluid replacement; acidic pH, causes
Sodium Chloride pH 4.4 77 mEq Sodium replace sodium, chloride, and agglomeration (clustering) if
77 mEq Chloride some calories used with blood transfusions;
Shorthand Notation: hyperglycemia with rapid
D5½NS infusion leading to osmotic
diuresis
5% Dextrose in Hypertonic 5 grams Dextrose hypertonic fluid replacement;
Normal Saline pH 4.4 154 mEq Sodium replace sodium, chloride and
154 mEq Chloride some calories
Shorthand Notation:
D5NS
Ringer’s Injection, Isotonic 147 mEq Sodium electrolyte replacement; rapid administration leads to
U.S.P. pH 5.8 4 mEq Potassium hydration; often used to excessive introduction of
4 mEq Calcium replace extracellular fluid electrolytes and leads to fluid
155 mEq Chloride losses overload and congestive
conditions; provides no
calories and is not an
adequate maintenance
solution if abnormal fluid
losses are present