Light-hearted, slightly useless question revolving around cheesy 70's TV

Nurses General Nursing

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Ok, first off, let me tell what a valuable resource this board has been for little old me, a 30-something who decided to go back to school to do what I have always really wanted to do. You guys really are fantastic, and have given me a window into the world I want to be in.

Like many others I suspect, much of my initial childhood interest was piqued by watching the action on tv, such as Marcus Welby, MASH, and Emergency!.

Well, I have recently been addicted (and it gives me a break from my studies) to re-runs of the old Emergency! series (and don't think I didn't notice there is a poster on here who calls him/herself "Johnny Gage" haha).

Well, in between learning my very basic prerequisite courses (read: I'm not really doing anything nursing-wise yet) I have been trying to figure out what the procedures are on that show. I know it's not real, I know it's outdated, but I have this

burning, annoying obsession with finding out why the heck every casualty is practically cured by giving an IV of "Ringers Lactate" or "D5W, TKO".

I grilled my classmates yesterday, hey, does anyone know what the heck is in the IV "Ringers Lactate", but no one knew. We are just beginning, you know :D

So, anyone???? Johnny Gage, are you out there?!?

Yes, I am a tremendous loser. I feel silly posting this amongst all these serious, educational posts, but man, I gotta know. :confused: :D

I think this is a pretty good explanation:

http://gucfm.georgetown.edu/welchjj/netscut/fen/ivfluids.html

CLASS

Isotonic crystalloid volume expander - physiologic electrolyte solution

PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS

1. Expands circulating blood volume by approximating the fluid and electrolyte composition of the blood.

2. Provides the following electrolytes in each liter of fluid:

Electrolytes Found in 1 L of L.R.

Sodium - 130 mEq

Chloride - 109 mEq

Potassium - 4 mEq

Calcium - 3 mEq

Lactate - 28 mEq

3. The lactate in the solution is metabolized by the liver and converted to bicarbonate, which aids in the correction of mild acidosis.

4. Isotonic solution of 273 mOsm/L.

5. The pH range is 6.0 - 7.5.

USES

Trauma, hypovolemic states, burns, environmental emergencies, O.B., pediatrics and neonates. Many E.M.S. organizations use this solution for all patient presentations.

DURATION OF ACTION AND EXCRETION

Passes out of the blood stream quite rapidly, especially when normal renal function and renal blood flow are present.

PREPARATIONS

50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL and 1000 mL bags.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The dose is dependent upon the age, weight and clinical condition of the patient.

The usual adult fluid challenge is 250 - 500 milliliters.

When treating burned patients, the Parkland burn formula should be used.

http://www.kcmetro.cc.mo.us/pennvalley/emt/lring.htm

Specializes in Anesthesia.

I have to admit. . . I've never ever seen Emergency! but I can tell you what LR is. It's a type of IV fluid with electrolytes that are well balanced to interstitial fluid. It contains sodium, cloride, potassium, calcium & lactate. It is the IVF of choice for traumas & other situations which may lead to hemorrhagic shock because the calcium & potassium promote contractility of the heart muscle and the calcium also promotes hemostasis. The lactate in the solution is used by the body as a buffer. Hope this helps you out a little bit!

Lou

Convicted of placenta previa & serving time on couch arrest ~ Day 19

Many, many thanks!

Just to clarify, I spent all weekend trying to look this up on the internet. I can buy it, I can find it in kits - I just can't find a definition of what it actually is. I hate to pester for such a stupid question.

I did find out what D5W is. I really wish I had some drug books or something that the more advanced students have (getting ahead of myself a little, I guess) but like I said, right now I'm wallowing in plain old Psychology and essay writing.....

Can anyone recommend a good drug book that I could go buy so I can look these things up for myself? I shall go book-hunting this weekend.

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welcome to our wonderful mysterious world....no such thang as a stupid question...Mosby also makes an IV drug reference book....., nose around on amazon.com ..btw, LR=my initials, a piece of useless info.....but welcome anyway........LR

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