Prepared Physician’s Monthly Pearl of Wisdom for February 2021: Our friend Crystal, Crystalloid

Whether it’s the fallout of your rambunctious college student’s party weekend, or the gloomy revenge of aunt Nancy’s potato salad that was left out on the table too long, managing hypovolemia is part of being a Prepared Physician.

It is recommended that initial fluid replacement be completed with crystalloid solution. This raises the question of which fluid, 0.9% saline or a buffered crystalloid solution, such as lactated ringers. A review of the literature tells us that in small volume resuscitation, less than or equal to 2 L, neither solution has been proven to be consistently superior. With large volume resuscitation, greater than 2 L, this should be an informed decision individualized by factors such as patient chemistries, estimated volume of resuscitation, potential for adverse effects of the solution, as well as facility and physician preference. 
Mandel,MD; P. Palevsky,MD; et al. “Treatment of severe hypovolemia or hypovolemic shock in adults”. Jan 2021 UpToDate.

Prepared Physician has IV hydration kits available with your choice of 0.9% saline or lactated ringers, so you can be prepared for volume resuscitation within the comforts of your usual practice and home! Check out our IV hydration kit options today!

Nathan Whittaker, MD

Prepared Physician